The Hawaii Island Natural Area Reserves System Program is proposing protection by placing fences in certain areas to help enhance the endangered species.
However, some hunters on the Big Island oppose fencing a portion of the Pu’u Maka’ala’s Natural Area Reserve.
DLNR believes there is room for all of the users in the forest. The percentages of areas available and those protected are very small.
In the last 200 years over half of Hawaiian forests have been lost. Currently on the Island of Hawaii, only 5.19 percent of priority watersheds are protected. Statewide-the statistic is 10 percent.
DLNR’s overall management goal is to protect, maintain, and enhance Pu’u Maka’ala’s unique natural, cultural, and geological resources.
The public comment period for this topic is open until February 7, 2012.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
