01/05/23 – INPUT SOUGHT ON ADDITION OF NEARLY 100 LAND PARCELS TO …

JOSH GREEN, M.D. GOVERNOR DAWN CHANG CHAIRPERSON For Immediate Release:  January 5, 2023 INPUT SOUGHT ON ADDITION OF NEARLY 100 LAND PARCELS TO RESERVE SYSTEMS AND RULE CHANGES Unencumbered State lands proposed as additions to Forest Reserves, Natural Area Reserves, and Wildlife Sanctuaries (HONOLULU) – DLNR is seeking comments on a proposal to protect nearly 100 unencumbered State land parcels across Hawai’i as part of the State Forest Reserves, Natural Area Reserves, and Wildlife Sanctuaries systems. Additionally, comment is being sought to update administrative rules associated with the Natural Area Reserves System (NARS). Both proposals are being shared online and in meetings to collect people’s input. The proposed parcels are State lands not currently managed for environmental protection or any particular land use. New land designations will allow the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) to protect these parcels and provide areas for conservation, preservation, recreation, and sustainable forest products. Activities on these parcels could include the protection of endangered species habitat, cultural site preservation, forest restoration, and access for hiking or hunting. The parcels, include over 21,000 acres of land, 18,630 acres are proposed as forest reserves, 2,192 acres for natural area reserves, and 196 acres proposed for wildlife sanctuaries.
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