Public input sought on proposed changes to forest stewardship rules

The Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife is now accepting community comments on proposed amendments to rules establishing forest stewardship.

The state of Hawaiʻi Forest Stewardship Program provides technical advice as well as financial assistance on a cost-share basis, so that private landowners can more effectively manage, protect and restore important natural resources on their properties.

The proposed rule changes will:

• Allow long-term leaseholders (10 years minimum) to participate in the program;
• Increase state cost-share support for the development of Forest Stewardship Program management plans on private lands from 50% to 75%;
• Allow lands managed for non-timber forest products to qualify for the program;
• Allow financial support for portions of management plan implementation; and
• Modernize eligibility criteria related to native forest management so that a broader set of landowners can participate in the program.

The proposed amendments will also allow greater flexibility for applicants to match state cost-share support with non-state financial assistance programs, including federal, county, and/or private programs.

Interested parties can provide their comments through an input form on the website, via email to foreststewardship@hawaii.gov, or via mail at: Division of Forestry and Wildlife Attn: Forest Stewardship Program, 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 325, Honolulu, HI 96813.

Comments must be received or postmarked no later than March 29, 2024.

Public Hearing

Testimony may also be provided during the public hearing on March 13 at 5:30 p.m. The live public hearing will be held at the Kalanimoku Building in Honolulu.

Attendees may also join remotely and testify via Zoom or telephone. Those who wish to testify remotely are recommended to email foreststewardship@hawaii.gov at least one hour prior to ensure that a link is delivered on time.