The Department of Land and Natural Resources has written a draft management plan regarding the Kapāpala Koa Canoe Management Area on Hawaii Island and is now asking the public to submit input online, according to a news release. 

A 1,257-acre area, also known as the Kapāpala Canoe Forest, is the only state land set aside for growing koa for traditional Hawaiian canoe construction. The area is located on the southeastern slopes of Mauna Loa and is covered almost entirely by a native koa and ohia forest. 

Koa trees are only found in Hawaii and since ancient times, Hawaiians carved them into canoes. The tradition continues today, but access to quality koa is limited. In the past, the Polynesian Voyage Society has struggled to get koa trees for its double-hulled canoes. 

DLNR and its partners hope to create a long-term, sustainable source of koa for canoes. The draft management and environmental plans both consider how trees will be selected for harvesting, while regenerating koa resources on a 100-year timeframe. The plans will also consider how people will apply to receive canoe logs. The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife will also thin the forest to encourage the growth of large, straight koa trees, which are best for canoes. 

The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife has created an online platform for the public to learn about the Kapāpala Koa Canoe forest and submit input about the plan. 

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.