Department of Land and Natural Resources

For Immediate News Release: November 15, 2019

COMMUNITY INPUT SOUGHT FOR NEW HELEMANO WILDERNESS AREA PLAN

To view video please click on photo or view at this link: https://vimeo.com/296571740

(Honolulu) – Last year, the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) acquired more than 2,800 acres of forest land and former agricultural lands in the Helemano area of Central Oʻahu.  This area is now in the process of being placed in the State’s Forest Reserve System and DOFAW has begun developing a plan for the Helemano Wilderness Area with the assistance of local planning firm Planning Solutions, Inc. (PSI). 

As word has spread of the transfer of these lands to public ownership, excitement has developed about the area’s potential.  The plan will serve as a tool to promote access, recreation, and safety while preserving and enhancing the beauty, history, and natural resources of this special place.  In recognition of community interest and the uniqueness of the area, DOFAW envisions the development of the plan will include opportunities for people to share their knowledge and vision for the Helemano Wilderness Area. Planners intend to conduct stakeholder and public outreach and involvement through a collaborative planning process. 

To provide a user-friendly way for people to share their knowledge, stay up to date with the plan’s progress, and to download and review it, DOFAW and PSI have created a website with an interactive, social media-style commenting tool. 

# # #

Media Contact:

Dan Dennison
Senior Communications Manager
(808) 587-0396
[email protected]