4/15/26 – INPUT SOUGHT FOR MANAGEMENT OF MAKAWAO STATE FOREST RESERVE

Posted on Apr 16, 2026 in Forestry & Wildlife, Main, News Releases, slider
JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR
RYAN KANAKAʻOLE
 ACTING CHAIRPERSON

INPUT SOUGHT FOR MANAGEMENT OF MAKAWAO STATE FOREST RESERVE

View looking up at tall, dense tree canopy. Light brown tree trunks extend skyward to green foliage above with small pockets of blue sky scattered throughout.

HONOLULU – The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is seeking community input on a draft management plan for the Makawao State Forest Reserve on Maui. Feedback will help guide oversight of the area for the next 10 years.

The draft plan contains a brief history of the reserve, a complete record of boundary changes over time, a description of natural and cultural resources, as well as an account of infrastructure, intended uses and proposed management strategies. Key focal points of the plan include maintaining access for forest recreation and native ecosystem protection, as well as restoration on the mauka portion of the reserve.

There are multiple ways to learn more about the Makawao State Forest Reserve and contribute to its management. DOFAW staff developed an online platform where community members can explore engaging, virtual information guides describing the background of the reserve, current resources, threats, public uses and proposed priorities. Guests can also take part in an online community survey and submit comments to be included as part of the planning process. Written questions or comments may also be submitted via e-mail or letter postmarked no later than Friday, May 8, 2026.

A red dirt trail covered in brown leaves winds its way through Hawaii forest.

Share your manaʻo:

Forestry Program Manager

1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 325

Honolulu, HI 96813

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RESOURCES

(All images/video courtesy: DLNR)

 

Photographs: Makawao State Forest Reserve (March 2026): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/7tnrudu6par7lcscctron/AJWvwWWWrUXKekhv3KuFxwc?rlkey=19we8nm5oc4qiov5g2p9yyvmz&st=5gipqfuc&dl=0

 

Digital Public Engagement Platform:

https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/35899bafd8ca4a4480413cb9cde9f324

 

Media Contact:

Ryan Aguilar

Communications Specialist

State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources

E-mail: [email protected]