Big Island News: NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR LAUPAHOEHOE ADVISORY COUNCIL

HILO – The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) and the U.S. Forest Service (Forest Service) are establishing a 14-member citizens’ Laupahoehoe Advisory Council to provide guidance to DLNR and the Forest Service on management issues and plans related to the Hawai‘i Experimental Tropical Forest and state lands in Laupahoehoe.

Applicants are now being sought to fill two seats (one two-year term and one three-year term), in each of the following seven areas of expertise: cultural resources, hunting, research and education, recreation, land management, Laupahoehoe residents, and Hawai‘i island community at-large.

"DLNR needs people with a strong interest in managing this ‘ahupua‘a to come forward, represent the public and protect this resource for all to enjoy," said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairperson.

"We hope that serving in this capacity as a steward of the land will be regarded, by all applicants, as a privilege and as their legacy for future generations,” she said.

Individuals who are interested in serving on the advisory council may submit an application for review by the Hawai‘i Experimental Tropical Forest (HETF) working group, which is comprised of DOFAW and USFS staff, with selection being made by the DLNR chairperson. Applications must be received by December 28, 2009.

The advisory council will meet approximately four times per year. For more information on the Laupahoehoe Advisory Council and the application process, please contact DOFAW branch manager Roger Imoto at 974-4221.