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Makawao Forest Reserve Land Use Changes Could Impact Tourism & Agriculture Over Next Decade

·6 min read·⚡ Act Now

Executive Summary

The DLNR is seeking public input on a 10-year management plan for the Makawao State Forest Reserve, which could alter land use and access. Businesses reliant on local resources or tourism to upcountry Maui should provide feedback before the impending deadline.

  • Tourism Operators: Potential shifts in access or permitted activities could affect upcountry tour routes and visitor experiences.
  • Agriculture & Food Producers: Changes to water access or land use policies within the reserve could impact existing agricultural operations.
  • Small Business Operators: Altered visitor flow or access to recreational areas might influence demand for services in nearby communities.
  • Action: Submit formal comments to DLNR by the unspecified deadline.

Action Required

Medium PriorityInput deadline for Makawao State Forest Reserve management plan

Delayed input could mean missing the opportunity to influence a 10-year management plan that affects tourism and local access.

All affected business roles should immediately seek out the DLNR's draft management plan for the Makawao State Forest Reserve and submit formal written comments. Ascertain the exact submission deadline from the DLNR and tailor comments to specific impacts on tourism, agriculture, local businesses, or real estate. Advocate for recommendations that balance conservation with economic sustainability.

Who's Affected
Small Business OperatorsReal Estate OwnersTourism OperatorsAgriculture & Food Producers
Ripple Effects
  • →Changes in Makawao Forest Reserve land use → altered water availability for agriculture → increased input costs for local food producers → higher consumer prices for agricultural goods.
  • →Reduced public access or appeal of Makawao Forest Reserve → decreased upcountry visitor traffic → lower revenue for local tourism operators and service businesses → potential slowdown in local job creation.
  • →Land use restrictions in Makawao Forest Reserve → limited development potential in adjacent areas → increased property values for existing land → higher housing costs and potential labor force displacement.
Drone capture of contrasting landscape: fresh lava flow meets vibrant green forest in Hawaii.
Photo by Josh Withers

Makawao Forest Reserve Land Use Changes Could Impact Tourism & Agriculture Over Next Decade

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFW) is initiating a public comment period for a draft management plan for the Makawao State Forest Reserve on Maui. This plan will govern the reserve's usage and management for the subsequent decade, presenting a critical window for businesses to influence land use policies that could affect their operations.

The Change

The DLNR is actively soliciting feedback on a draft management plan for the Makawao State Forest Reserve. This plan is intended to guide the reserve's operations, conservation efforts, and public access for the next 10 years. The specific details of the draft plan are not yet widely disseminated, but the emphasis on public input signals a potential for adjustments in how the reserve's resources and lands are utilized. Key areas often addressed in such plans include recreational access, conservation priorities, sustainable resource extraction, and potential for commercial activities. The exact timeline for public comment submission has not been explicitly stated in the initial announcement, but the process itself signifies a forward-looking policy shift for a significant tract of Maui's land.

Who's Affected

Tourism Operators

Businesses in the tourism sector, particularly those offering tours or experiences in upcountry Maui, should pay close attention to this management plan. Changes in access to trails, designated recreational areas, or even potential restrictions on certain activities within the reserve could directly impact tour itineraries and the overall visitor experience. For instance, if the plan favors increased conservation over public access in certain zones, it could necessitate rerouting existing tours or limit the appeal of specific natural attractions. Conversely, if the plan expands opportunities for ecotourism or guided nature walks, it could present new revenue streams. The lack of a defined deadline in the initial announcement creates a soft urgency, as decisions made now will shape the operational environment for years.

Agriculture & Food Producers

Upcountry Maui is a significant agricultural hub. The Makawao State Forest Reserve's management plan could influence the availability and management of crucial resources like water, which often originate or flow through these protected lands. Any shifts in water allocation policies, land designation for agricultural use within or adjacent to the reserve, or new regulations concerning land management practices could have direct financial implications for farmers and ranchers. For example, a plan prioritizing watershed protection might impose stricter controls on upstream agricultural water usage, thereby increasing costs or limiting production for downstream users. Similarly, zoning changes for the reserve could impact the desirability or feasibility of agricultural land leases in the vicinity.

Small Business Operators

Small businesses in communities near the Makawao State Forest Reserve, such as restaurants, retail shops, and service providers in towns like Makawao and Pukalani, could see indirect impacts. Changes in visitor traffic to the reserve, altered recreational patterns, or shifts in the local economic landscape driven by agricultural or tourism fluctuations can affect consumer demand. If the management plan leads to increased visitor numbers or longer stays in the area, it could boost business. Conversely, restrictions that reduce access or diminish the appeal of the reserve might decrease foot traffic and revenue for local establishments. The long-term nature of the plan means these are not short-term fluctuations but potential structural changes to the local business environment.

Real Estate Owners

While direct impacts on real estate might seem less immediate, changes to land use within the Makawao State Forest Reserve can influence surrounding property values and development potential. If the plan designates more land for strict conservation, it could limit future development opportunities in adjacent areas, potentially increasing the value of existing land parcels or creating scarcity. Conversely, if the plan opens up certain areas for managed commercial use or expands public amenities, it could spur localized development and increase property desirability. Landowners and developers should monitor the plan's specifics regarding zoning, permitted activities, and any potential land acquisition or conservation easements.

Second-Order Effects

Changes to the Makawao State Forest Reserve management plan can create a cascade of effects throughout Hawaii's highly interconnected economy. For instance, stricter regulations on water usage within the reserve to enhance watershed protection could lead to increased costs for upcountry agriculture. This, in turn, could raise prices for locally produced goods, impacting both consumers and businesses that rely on these products. Furthermore, a reduction in accessible agricultural land or increased operating costs might accelerate the trend of consolidation in the agricultural sector, potentially leading to fewer, larger operations and diminished opportunities for smaller producers. This could indirectly affect the diversity of local food offerings and increase reliance on imported goods, impacting food security and local supply chains.

Another ripple could be seen in tourism. If the reserve becomes less accessible or its appeal diminished due to management changes, it could lead to a reduction in visitor numbers to upcountry Maui. This would directly impact tourism operators and, consequently, local businesses like restaurants and retail stores that cater to these visitors. A decline in tourism revenue could also put downward pressure on wages in the service industry, despite existing labor shortages in other sectors.

What to Do

Given that the DLNR is actively seeking public input on a decade-long management plan, the primary action is to engage in the feedback process. The lack of a clearly stated deadline necessitates prompt action to ensure input is considered. Affected parties should review the draft management plan once it becomes available and submit formal comments to the DLNR.

Action Details

All Impacted Roles: Act Now by submitting formal written comments to the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife regarding the Makawao State Forest Reserve draft management plan. Identify specific sections of the plan that directly or indirectly affect your business operations, land use, or revenue streams. Propose clear, actionable alternatives or modifications. While no explicit deadline has been published from the initial announcement, engage with the DLNR immediately to ascertain submission deadlines and preferred formats for feedback. Prioritize outlining the potential economic or operational impacts of proposed management strategies on your business and the broader community.

Tourism Operators: Specifically comment on any proposed changes to access, trail management, or permitted recreational activities that could alter tour operations or visitor experiences in upcountry Maui. Highlight the importance of current access for your business model and suggest alternatives that balance conservation with sustainable tourism.

Agriculture & Food Producers: Focus comments on any sections addressing water resource management, land leasing, or agricultural practices within or adjacent to the reserve. Articulate the critical role of these resources for your operations and the local food supply chain. Advocate for policies that support sustainable agricultural practices and fair resource allocation.

Small Business Operators: Submit comments that highlight the economic linkages between the Makawao State Forest Reserve and your business. Explain how access to and the appeal of the reserve influences customer traffic and demand for your goods or services. Advocate for management strategies that support local economic vitality.

Real Estate Owners: Provide feedback on how proposed land use designations and zoning implications within or adjacent to the reserve might affect property development, land values, and long-term real estate strategies in the upcountry region.

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