The state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife is inviting community comments on proposed withdrawals of lands in the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve.
Two parcels are proposed to be withdrawn from the state forest reserve system and set aside to the state Department of Transportation and county of Hawaii.
According to DLNR, 2.9 acres will be withdrawn from the reserve and set aside to the DOT for a centrally located maintenance baseyard to efficiently operate and maintain the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road.
Additionally, the Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area, currently owned by DLNR and designated as part of the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve, is a 32.572 acre parcel which has been managed by the county of Hawaii through a memorandum of understanding with DOFAW.
A public hearing is set for 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Hawaii Island DOFAW Conference Room, 19 E. Kawili St. in Hilo.
Those who are unable to attend or who want to provide additional comments can submit written testimony postmarked no later than July 10 by mail to the Forestry Program Manager, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, 1151 Punchbowl St., #325, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, or by email to Forestry@hawaii.gov.