Natural Area Reserves

HONOLULU - The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announces the following closures of state park and forest areas over the weekend as a safety precaution due to the anticipated arrival of a tropical weather system that may bring heavy rains and possible flash flooding to the island chain. Based upon the latest advisory from the National Weather Service, between 5 to 10 and even up to 12 inches of rain may be expected in some areas.

KAHULUI – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife will close the Kula Forest Reserve and Waipoli Access Road from Monday, March 17, 2014, through Wednesday, April 30, 2014, to allow needed road repairs to be made to both the unpaved and paved sections of the road.

HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has closed vehicular access on the Molokai State Forest Reserve – Maunahui access road from the hunters’ check station to the Makakupaia gate – due to unsafe road conditions caused by the recent heavy rains. Forest use activities such as hiking and hunting are still accessible.

KAHULUI -- The Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) today authorized the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to seek bids to conduct an archaeological inventory survey (AIS) and environmental review (EA) necessary to explore a proposed land exchange agreement between the state and Haleakala Ranch that that the department believes will ensure public access to a disputed hiking trail, and create a new access route to two large forest reserves on the leeward slope of Haleakala.

KAHULUI -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has proposed an agreement that that it believes will avoid costly litigation, ensure public access to a hiking trail, and create a new access route to two large forest reserves on the leeward slope of Haleakala.

KULANI, HAWAI‘I – A new Christmas tradition is taking place in remote forests above Hilo. Early in the morning, volunteers scan the trees, looking for jewels far more beautiful than any Christmas ornament. These volunteers are on a quest to find Hawai‘i’s rarest native birds. The forests of Kulani are part of the Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve (NAR) managed by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW). On Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013, the DLNR Natural Area Reserves System (NARS), the Three Mountain Alliance (TMA), and the Hawai‘i Audubon Society and community volunteers will search through the forest and count native birds in an annual survey of the forest.

The Hawai‘i Forest Stewardship Program provides technical and financial assistance to private landowners and land managers committed to the stewardship, conservation and restoration of important forest resources across the state.

DLNR firefighters brought in a private 5000 gallon water tender from Waimea to assist in fire control operations, which are now expected to go through Tuesday Oct. 8 There are 21 Division of Forestry and Wildlife staff on scene.

Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) firefighters today had the fire 100% percent contained at approximately 1 acre. Mop up work will continue this weekend.

“This management plan is part of the DLNR’s goal to increase protection of Hawaii’s forested watersheds, and to protect and restore rare native Hawaiian animals and plants such as the ‘I‘iwi, the Mauna Loa Silversword and the ‘Alalâ,” said William J. Aila, Jr., BLNR Chairperson.