Proposed conversion of land into koa forest approved

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday approved a proposal to convert more than 550 acres of land in Waimea into a koa forest.

The Kapoaula Koa Forest Management Plan would plant koa and other species of trees throughout 568 acres in Waimea in order to generate a sustainable source of koa wood to manufacture musical instruments.

The project was proposed by Paniolo Tonewoods, a collaboration between guitar manufacturer Taylor Guitars and Washington wood supplier Pacific Rim Tonewoods.

With the project approved, the first trees are expected to be planted within a decade, and the first harvesting is expected to take place at least 30 years later.