Kohala Native Forest and Watershed Protection

The long-term security of North Hawai‘i’s water supply depends on the health and protection of Kohala’s native forests, but they remain under threat due to encroachment from invasive plant and animal species and increasing pressures such as wildfires. A 2019 study conducted by the Economic Research Organization at the University of Hawai‘i identified Kohala as one of the highest priority areas for cost-effective watershed management due to large recharge benefits. This project will protect, monitor, grow, and replant native species to increase native biodiversity and regenerate the native forests ecosystems.