"We invite the public to comment on these additions to state forest reserve lands on O'ahu. DLNR will manage these lands for their high quality natural resource value as native habitat and watershed and other potential uses," said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson.

DLNR proposes to add approximately 3,716 acres at Moanalua valley to the state's Honolulu watershed forest reserve, on O'ahu, for purposes of watershed protection and research, native species habitat restoration, endangered species recovery, forest recreation, education and management, and other appropriate forestry purposes.

Acquisition of this land was recently made possible through a combination of state funds, a matching federal grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Cooperative Endangered Species Recovery Program, and the Trust for Public Lands. Adding this parcel will expand the existing Honolulu watershed forest reserve from 7,270 acres to 10,983 acres.

DLNR also proposes to add approximately 0.298 acres near Dillingham airfield to the Mokule'ia forest reserve, in Mokule'ia district, O'ahu, for endangered species recovery and other appropriate forestry purposes, pending final execution of land transfer from the Department of Defense to DLNR.