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2003 Year of the Hawaiian Forest

"Hahai no ka ua i ka ululâ‘au" (Rains always follow the forest)
‘Ôlelo No’eau (ancient Hawaiian proverb)

HONOLULU, Hawai’i—January 24, 2003—The 2003 Year of the Hawaiian Forest (YHF) celebrates the 100th anniversary of Hawaii’s Forest Reserve System, representing the majority of the nation’s tropical rainforest. Everyone from private individuals to small and large businesses is invited to find a personally meaningful way to participate in this year-long celebration.

“Simply put, the forest is critically important to everyone in Hawai’i. Virtually all our fresh water comes from the forest. Also clean air, recreation areas, habitat for native species found only in Hawai`i, plants for cultural practices, and woods for fine arts are among the thousands of forest benefits. Perhaps the most serious challenge is the lack of funds for proactive management and protection of our native Hawaiian forests." said Mike Buck, Administrator, State of Hawaii, Department of Land & Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Forestry and Wildlife.

“It’s a natural tendency to think that ‘it’s just me’ but a million people saying ‘just me’ could damage or contribute to our quality of life. If each of us took one positive action in this Year of the Hawaiian Forest, that would make a huge difference, “ said Pauline Sato, director, O’ahu program, The Nature Conservancy, and co-chair, Mâlama Hawai’i.

Hawaii’s longstanding watershed protection policies established 100 years ago have resulted in forested mountains compared to the highly eroded conditions of the early 1900s. However, the Hawaiian forest is challenged today by threats from invasive species such as Miconia and snakes, overuse of recreational areas, lack of erosion control, wildfires, and many other causes.

The Year of the Hawaiian Forest is a vision and an umbrella for any individual or group to contribute to existing forestry activities or create their own. Exciting forest events are planned throughout the year to increase public awareness and to inspire individual action in support of healthy forests. For more information: contact Jolie Wanger, Information and Education Specialist, DLNR/Division of  Forestry and Wildlife. Email jolie@dofaw.net.

Donna Jung
Phone: (808) 585-0063
E-mail: djungpr@lava.net

Hayley Matson-Mathes
Phone: (808) 941-9088
E-mail: hayleymm@hawaii.rr.com