IPIF Overview of Resources
Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry; Pacific Southwest Research Station, USDA Forest Service,
Hilo, Hawaii
The Pacific Southwest Research Station (PSW) has reviewed the leadership structure,
programmatic alignment, and resource needs for our facility in Hilo, Hawaii, the Institute of
Pacific Islands Forestry (IPIF). A decision was recently made to create and fill a position of
Director for IPIF in FY2012. A provisional research portfolio was developed in concert with PSW
researchers in Hawaii and California to ensure continuity, relevance, and functionality across
multiple programmatic research areas. In addition, we reviewed personnel, facilities, and
budget information to develop a baseline for our current organization and make projections for
future needs and opportunities. A summary of current resources available to IPIF and projected
future needs is provided below.
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Personnel - 18 Full Time Equivalents (FTE) are based in Hilo. There are currently 14
science staff FTEs (16 positions with some part time) and 4 support staff FTEs. A
reasonable target for future growth in alignment with increased research opportunities
would see this total grow to 24 FTEs, with the science staff growing to 20 FTEs and the
support staff remaining the same. Targeted workforce needs include (1) RGEG Research
Hydrologist, (2) Biological Support, (3) HETF Coordinator, and (4) Culture-nature
specialist/Social Scientist.
Facilities - There are four main facilities in Hawaii, including the primary office,
laboratory, and greenhouse facility in Hilo; a bio-control facility (NPS, Volcano); an office
in Yap; and the Hawaii Experimental Tropical Forest (HETF), which consists of the
Laupahoehoe Science and Education Center and a planned Puu waawaa Science and
Education Center.
Research Sites - Twenty-three research sites that provide a platform for long-term,
collaborative research are in place or are planned throughout Hawaii and the U.Saffiliated Pacific Islands. The most significant of these sites are the two units of the
Hawaii Experimental Tropical Forest (50,000 acres) on Hawaii Island.
Research Portfolio - The provisional research portfolio addresses four potential growth
areas. These research topics cross most if not all PSW program areas, and all share
synergies with NFS Region 5 priorities. They are topics of intrinsic value and show
promise for future growth. They are currently not funded, and would require additional
resources to implement. The four potential
o Quantifying and modeling watershed function and responses to global change
o Science delivery and decision support tools in hydrology, fire, restoration, and
biodiversity
o Coupled human and natural system dynamics
o Capacity building through technical transfer, education, and demonstration
Budget - FY2012 funding was $2.75 million. The budget for IPIF has remained fairly
constant at approximately 14% of the PSW budget over the past 10 years. We anticipate
this trend to continue.
Revised: 29 June 2012
Alex Friend, Acting Station Director (510-559-6310)/Pat Manley, Acting IPIF Director (808-854-2601)