Hilo and Kona vice officers found 18 plots of marijuana plants ranging in height from 1 to 3 feet growing on state land that is part of the Pu'uanahulu hunting area. Each plot contained anywhere for 200 to 300 plants, police said.

The illegal crops were being irrigated by a simple but efficient watering system, with plants grown atop rectangular containers filled with water and nutrients, police said. The irrigation system had become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which swarmed the officers while they recovered the plants.

Also found at the site were plastic bags, hoses and rubbish.

Police are asking anyone with information on the marijuana plots to call Lt. Mitchell Kanehailua at (808) 326-4646 ext. 226.