HILO, Hawaii — Two new parcels of land are being proposed for addition to the Hawaii Forest Reserve System on Hawaii Island and the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife welcomes public input regarding the additions at a community meeting on March 28.

The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the DOFAW Hilo office conference room at 19 E. Kawili Street in Hilo.

DOFAW manages the Forest Reserve System that provides watershed restoration, cultural resource preservation, habitat protection for threatened and endangered native species, as well as recreational and hunting opportunities for the public.

The first proposed addition is 162 acres in north Hawaii adjacent to the Manowaialeʻe and Hilo Forest Reserves that includes a koa seed bank with potential for restoration, according to a DLNR release. The location would enable public access and opportunities for reforestation.

The second addition is in southwest Hawaii currently being leased for pasture. The proposal would subdivide the parcel adding roughly 7,042 acres with intact native koa and ohia forest to the Kapapala Forest Reserve. The remaining 15,684 acres of the lease would go to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

The public can provide online or in-person testimony at the community meeting; testimony can also be provided via email or mail. To attend online, the public is asked to contact forestry staff at forestry@hawaii.gov at least 24 hours before the meeting to receive a Zoom link.

People unable to attend or who wish to make additional comments can contact the forestry staff at the above email or mail written testimony, postmarked no later than April 5, to Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Attn: Forestry Program Manager, 1151 Punchbowl St., #325, Honolulu HI 96813.