Pacific Southwest Research Station

Programs and Projects	(RWU-4154)
Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry

Hawaii Experimental Tropical Forest

- A research, demonstration, and educational forest focusing on ecological, economical, and cultural values important to all Hawaiians

Following the direction provided by the Hawaii Tropical Forest Recovery Act of 1992 the State of Hawaii and the USDA Forest Service - Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry are now in the process of establishing the first experimental tropical forests in Hawai'i and the Pacific. Hawaiian tropical forests are the only forests in the USA without representative experimental forests. Until now, this has excluded researchers in Hawaii from many opportunities and deprived the citizens of important scientific studies to address their needs. Two sites on the Big Island have been selected. These are the Laupahoehoe rain forest in North Hilo and the Puu Waawaa dry forest watershed in North Kona. The selected sites encompass remarkable gradients of climate, forest, soils, and resource history.

These will be among the most remarkable and unique of experimental forests on earth. The establishment of the Hawaii Experimental Tropical Forest represents among the most important and significant events in the history of the long and close relationship between the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (Division of Forestry and Wildlife) and the Forest Service - Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry.

The objectives for establishment of the Hawaii Experimental Tropical Forest will be to conduct research, demonstration, and education that will provide information and tools so that managers can:

• Restore and sustainably manage tropical forests
• Understand linkages of forests to water resources
• Quantify, restore, and sustainably manage the ecosystem services and forest products that arise from tropical forests

Control invasive and exotic species that diminish forest productivity, biodiversity, and values. The Hawaii Experimental Forest will not only provide research opportunities requiring answers from world-class scientists, but also provide learning opportunities for school children of all ages. Demonstration and education opportunities for future generations of land owners, land managers, and scientists are just as important as providing the public with relevant research results.