2012 ANNUAL REPORT

February 2013

HAWAI‘I Forest Institute

HFI 2012 Annual Report 1

Hawai‘i Forest Institute

The Hawai‘i Forest Industry Association (HFIA) formed the Hawai‘i Forest Institute (HFI), a

501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, in 2003. The purpose of HFI is to promote the health and

productivity of Hawai‘i forests through forest restoration, education, and support for scien-

tific research.

HFI held four Board meetings in 2012. HFIA Directors approved the following slate of HFI Directors at the

January 2012 Board meeting: Don Bryan, J.B. Friday, Travis Idol, Robert Osgood, Mike Robinson, Peter D.

Simmons, Aileen Yeh, Peter T. Young, and William Yuen. HFI approved the following slate of HFI Officers:

Travis Idol, President; J.B. Friday, Vice President; William Yuen, Treasurer; and Peter D. Simmons, Secretary.

The Hawai‘i Forest Journal Editorial Review Committee members are Chair Travis Idol, J.B. Friday, Judy

Hancock, and Carolyn Stewart. The Grants Committee members are Travis Idol, Robert Osgood, Mike Rob-

inson, Aileen Yeh, and William Yuen.

Hawai‘i Forest Institute Projects

“Give Back to the Forest” Campaign

HFI initiated plans for the “Give Back to the Forest” Campaign, which will be the organization’s first, long-

term, self-sustaining, marketing program. The goals of the Campaign are to expand HFI’s public/private

partnerships and gain support for the protection and perpetuation of Hawaii’s native forest ecosystems.

Through the 12-month Kick Off Marketing Campaign, HFI seeks to raise $75,000 for its forest restoration and

demonstration projects. Funds raised will help support propagation, outplanting, and long-term care of the

seedlings; site maintenance; educational programs; and administrative and promotional activities of the cam-

paign.

This project will be different from other tree planting programs because in addition to raising funds to plant

trees, it will help to support total ecosystem management and provide forest stewardship opportunities and

environmental and cultural educational programs at the project sites. The seedlings will be outplanted at the

following restoration and demonstration forest sites:

Ka‘ūpūlehu Dryland Forest, Hawai‘i Island

La‘i‘Ōpua Dryland Preserve, Hawai‘i Island

Kaloko Makai Dryland Forest Preserve, Hawai‘i Island

Pana‘ewa Zoo Discovery Forest, Hawai‘i Island

Kapāpala Canoe Forest, Hawai‘i Island

Honolulu Zoo Children’s Discovery Forest, O‘ahu

Kua O Ka Lā Public Charter School, Hawai‘i Island

Humu’ula Christmas Tree Demonstration Project, Hawai‘i Island

Project sites on Maui and Kaua‘i to be identified.

Hawai‘i Forest Journal

The sixth issue of the Hawai‘i Forest Journal was produced in August 2012. This issue focuses on the history

of forest management in Hawai‘i and current efforts to restore and protect the unique forest resources. Sever-

al of the articles were written by Darcey Iwashita, a master's student at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa in

the department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management. Darcey and HFI President Dr. Travis

Idol interviewed forestry professionals Michael Buck, J.B. Friday, Cheyenne Perry, Mike Robinson, Paul

HFI 2012 Annual Report 2

Scowcroft, Peter Simmons, and Steve Smith, in addition to reviewing published literature to gather infor-

mation for the articles. Sponsors of the sixth issue were Will J. Reid Foundation, Forest Solutions Inc., and

HFIA. The HFI Board has identified “Sandalwood in Hawai‘i” as the main theme for the seventh issue of the

Journal.

Hawai‘i Island Native Seed Bank Cooperative

The Hawai‘i Island Native Seed Bank Cooperative entails the collection and storage of native Hawaiian seeds

that grow in native forests on Hawai‘i Island. Seeds are being collected, deposited, and withdrawn for fire

mitigation, restoration, and research projects.

The need for banking seed is critical as native habitat loss due to wildfires, ungulate grazing, and develop-

ment continues to altar the landscape at an alarming rate. The precious species of Hawaii's dryland forests

need to be protected and saving seed is one way; it allows for mitigation of habitat loss through seed broad-

casting, restoration, and creating living fuel breaks. All accessions are made up of species from Hawai‘i Is-

land, with a focus on the dryland forest regions. In cooperation with local, Federal and State agencies, the

seed bank collects and accepts seed from rare, threatened, and endangered species.

Project Coordinator Jill Wagner’s main focus for the Cooperative in 2012 was continuing to develop partner-

ships. Seed bank partner sites include:

Kaloko-Honokohau National Park

State of Hawaii-Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a

La‘i‘Ōpua Preserve

Kaloko Makai Dry Forest Preserve

Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative

Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden

Kukio Community Association

Rogers Ranch- Pu'u Wa'a Wa'a

Ka‘ūpūlehu Dryland Forest

Nakoa Foundation

The Seed Bank Cooperative was funded by the West Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization in 2008.

Partner organizations include Amy B.H. Ethnobotanical Garden, U.S. Forest Service, Kukio Resort, Four Sea-

sons Resort, National Tropical Botanical Garden, The Nature Conservancy, and HFIA. Kona community indi-

viduals provide valuable assistance to the project. Lyon Arboretum Seed Conservation Laboratory, a long-

term storage facility in Honolulu, is storing rare seed shared by the seed bank. An informative webpage has

been created on HFI website at Native Seed Bank Cooperative.

The Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization provided $10,000 to purchase a 10' x10' walk-in refrigerator

for the seed bank this year. This is a big leap forward for the seed bank as large amounts of seed can now be

collected, organized, and stored. Henk Rogers, Rogers Ranch at Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a granted the seed bank permis-

sion to house the fridge at his ranch. The ranch is going off grid with a solar PV system, therefore the fridge is

being operated with solar power. This is a savings of about $500 per month in electricity costs and a generous

match by Henk Rogers, which can be used for future grants.

Honokohau National Historical Park

HFI entered into a contract with the National Park Service to provide forest restoration services at the coastal

dryland forest in Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park in South Kona, Hawai‘i Island. Jill Wagner is

working with the National Park Service to develop a comprehensive program for coastal dryland forest man-

agement at the National Historical Park, which includes projects involving plant propagation, seed collection

and storage, maintenance of rare species, nursery management, and development of educational and interpre-

tation materials that link Hawaiian traditional practices to the coastal dryland forest. The long term plan for

vegetation management at Kaloko-Honokohau is to remove exotic plant species and 1) expose the in situ seed

bank for natural regeneration, and 2) restore native and Polynesian-introduced plants by outplanting cuttings

and seed-generated plants and sowing seed collected from within the Park. Jill’s activities include mulching

and fertilizing native trees and plants, regularly checking irrigation system performance, collecting seed,

monitoring threatened and endangered species, conducting workshops, outplanting native plants, holding

planning meetings on site, processing seed (cleaning seed), storing seed, and maintaining a seed database.

Honolulu Zoo Children’s Discovery Forest

HFI is working with community partners to create the Honolulu Zoo Children’s Discovery Forest. This forest

demonstration project will be located at the Honolulu Zoo, near the zoo entrance, adjacent to the future site of

a Native Hawaiian Village. The Discovery Forest will be a representation of natural systems, creating a scene

of Hawai‘i before the arrival of humans. The project will demonstrate culturally significant plant and tree

species that once grew near traditional shoreline villages of O‘ahu. This replication of these coastal ecosys-

tems will provide habitat for Hawaiian plants, birds, and invertebrates. The exhibit is designed to demon-

strate culturally significant Hawaiian plant species, the significance of place, and the kuleana of mālama ‘āina

by integrating traditional Hawaiian forest ecosystems, forest stewardship opportunities, and innovative land-

based education for residents and visitors.

Renown landscape designer, artist, and author Leland Miyano is working with award-winning landscape ar-

chitects PBR HAWAII & Associates, Inc. to lead the landscape planning and construction process. Leland

completed the schematic design plan and PBR HAWAII completed the topographical survey, tree inventory,

and grading, landscape, and irrigation plans, which were submitted for required approvals and permits.

Plans for the exhibit include three zones demonstrating native plants, strand vegetation, and Polynesian-

introduced “canoe plants” species and cultivars. Community involvement will be a key component in this

project and aesthetic appeal will be valuable for zoo visitors.

The project will start with the strand vegetation of the coast and proceed to the dryland and mesic forest; us-

ing examples of indigenous and endemic flora. Plants that are associated with educational stories will be

prominently displayed. For example, a depiction of a lowland loulu (Pritchardia palm) forest will be a unique

feature. The landscape of the Polynesian-introduced flora will provide opportunities for educational pro-

grams related to topics such as evolution, ecological lessons, endangered species, watershed protection,

HFI 2012 Annual Report 3

Honokohau Workshops conducted by Jill Wag-

ner in September 2012.

HFI 2012 Annual Report 4

ahupua‘a resource management, and invasive species.

The vision is of a place that serves as an outdoor educational setting where visitors can learn about the im-

portance of the sustainability of native and Polynesian plantings within a framework of Hawaiian cultural

values. The vast cultural, natural, and historical attributes of Hawaii’s coastal flora and geology will be

shared, demonstrating the bond that must be formed between people and ‘āina if both are to thrive.

Funding has been received by Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Samuel N. and Mary Castle Foundation, Pettus

Foundation, and the Cooke Foundation. Visit the Honolulu Zoo Discovery Forest web page for more infor-

mation.

Kapāpala Canoe Forest

HFIA and HFI worked with Department of Land and Natural Resource (DLNR) Division of Forestry and

Wildlife (DOFAW), Imi Pono, and the Three Mountain Alliance to develop a draft plan for bringing youth to

the Kapāpala Canoe Forest for cultural and environmental education.

The draft plan includes a background of the cultural, geological, and biological characteristics of the

Kapāpala Forest Management Area; a vision for future youth educational opportunities through input from

stakeholders; a summary of resources and needs; and a list of potential projects directed towards the realiza-

tion of the vision.

The draft plan, which was funded by DOFAW and the Cleo Foundation will be incorporated into a larger

Kapāpala Forest Management Area Management Plan being developed by DOFAW.

Ka Pilina Poina ‘Ole “Connections Not Forgotten”

The Ka Pilina Poina ‘Ole “Connections Not Forgotten” project involves sustaining fragile endangered dry for-

est ecosystems and sharing their unique historical, cultural, restoration, and scientific aspects to benefit Ha-

wai‘i residents and visitors. The project connects three culturally significant destinations in North Kona;

Ka‘ūpūlehu Dryland Forest Preserve, Kalaemanō Cultural Center, and La‘i‘Ōpua Dryland Preserve. Interpre-

tive materials and curriculum were developed this year along with a stewardship outreach program linking

the three cultural heritage sites. The project gives residents and visitors a unique opportunity to experience

and understand the traditional Hawaiian use of ahupua’a lands, the significance of place names, and the im-

portance of the interconnection between preservation of the mauka and makai environs.

Over 600 youth participated in forest stewardship outreach events this year. Cultural ecology, safety, restora-

tion, science and stewardship protocols continued to be focal points of the “learning while doing” partner-

ship events. Activities included invasive species removal; outplanting native plants; trail building; native

Honolulu Zoo Discovery Forest Schematic Concept Plan.

HFI 2012 Annual Report 5

plant identification and care; and seed collection and dispersal. In addition to new online curriculum, Hau

hele ‘ula and Uhiuhi native plant resource cards were produced this year.

This year’s program was supported by the Arthur Lawrence Mullaly Fund and Kukio Community Fund of

the Hawai’i Community Foundation, Atherton Family Foundation, Friends of Hawaii Charities, Cooke Foun-

dation, and Bill Healy Foundation.

Pan‘aewa Zoo Discovery Forest HFI, along with community partners, initiated Phase II of the Pana‘ewa Zoo Discovery Forest project. The

project is engaging community volunteers in creating and maintaining native and agro-forest demonstration

gardens at the Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens in Hilo, Hawai‘i.

Leonard Bisel Associates produced creative, low-maintenance native and agro-forest (Polynesian-introduced

plants) design plans. The Phase II Plan connects the two Phase I demonstration gardens with additional na-

tive and Polynesian-introduced plants and includes two interpretive signs, a main kiosk, plant ID signs, and

viewing platforms.

Yvonne Yarber Carter speaks to Kamehameha Schools Ho‘olauna

Kona students at Ka‘ūpūlehu.

Youth building a trail at Ka‘ūpūlehu. Photos: Yvonne Yarber Carter.

HFI 2012 Annual Report 6

Five volunteer workdays engaged over 175 volunteers this year.

Kiwanis Kids are helping to create and maintain the Discovery

Forest on a quarterly basis. One workday engaged 80 Kamehame-

ha Schools pre-school and first grade students in pulling weeds

and helping to clear the Phase II site. Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kala-

ni‘ana‘ole Elementary and Intermediate School first grade students

volunteered their time to outplant native Hawaiian plants.

HFI Directors, UH Extension Forester Dr. J.B. Friday and Horticul-

turalist Aileen Yeh conducted planting demonstrations and talked

to volunteers about the significance of the plantings and Land-

scape Architects Leonard Bisel and Meredith Tanioka provided

instructions on implementing their design plans.

Phase II funding was received from the Captain Planet Foundation, the Cleo Foundation, and DLNR Division of For-

estry and Wildlife (DOFAW) and USDA Forest Service through the Kaulunani Urban Forestry Program. Phase II

will include:

Clearing undesirable plants and trees;

Creating interpretive signs and plant ID labels;

Installing viewing platforms; and

Documenting activities via web pages and articles.

Phase I funders and contributors were the Change Happens Foundation, Hawai'i Tourism Authority, Aileen’s Nurse-

ry, Big Island Candies, Forest Solutions, Hawai‘i Community College’s Forest TEAM, Hawai‘i Forest & Trail, HPM

Building Supply, Jay Warner, Mālama O Puna, Tree Works, Inc., and UH Tropical Forestry Program.

The project features native, cultural, and medicinal plants that once

grew in the traditional farms and native forests of East Hawai'i, in-

cluding Polynesian-introduced plants that arrived with voyaging

canoes. These "canoe plants", along with many endemic species, play essential roles in Hawaiian culture, for food,

fiber, tools, implements, and medicine. Many of these plants can be found at the Discovery forest. A Discovery For-

est webpage provides more information.

Website

The HFI website provides a wealth of information about HFI, its community partners, and conservation projects

statewide. Through the website, HFI has communicated its message of promoting awareness of the intrinsic value of

Hawaii's forests to the local and international community. Visit HFI’s website at www.hawaiiforestinstitute.org.

T to B.: Kiwanis Kids at Pana‘ewa Zoo Discovery Forest.

J.B. Friday talks to volunteers about the plants.

2012 Grants Awarded

HFI 2012 Annual Report 7

Hawai‘i Forest Institute Contributions

Funding Source Project Amount

Pettus Foundation Honolulu Zoo Children's Discovery Forest $ 10,000

Samuel N. & Mary Castle Foundation Honolulu Zoo Children's Discovery Forest $ 25,000

Cooke Foundation Honolulu Zoo Children's Discovery Forest $ 20,000

Cleo Foundation Pana‘ewa Zoo Discovery Forest $ 10,500

Captain Planet Foundation Pana‘ewa Zoo Discovery Forest $ 2,500

Kukio Community Fund Ka Pilina Poina ‘Ole “Connection Not Forgotten” $ 5,000

HCF West Hawai‘i Fund Aupaka o Wao Lama Forest Education Program $ 7,000

Friends of Hawaii Charities Ka‘ūpūlehu Restoration and Education Project $ 5,000

Total $ 85,000

2012 Donations and Other Contributions

Funding Source Project Amount

Aaron Erickson Hawai‘i Forest Journal $ 50

Aileen Yeh General Funds $ 100

Hawaii Wilderness School 1 % for The Planet General Funds $ 200

Koa Wood Rings 1 % for The Planet General Funds $ 1,400

Mike Robinson General Funds $ 100

National Park Service Kaloko Honokohau National Park $ 7,500

Peter D. Simmons General Funds $ 100

Peter T. Young General Funds $ 100

Rhonda Darling General Funds $ 50

Travis Idol General Funds $ 100

William Yuen General Funds $ 100

Total $ 9,800

HFI 2012 Annual Report 8

Balance Sheet As of December 31, 2012 Profit and Loss January through December 2012

Financial Report

ASSETS

Current Assets

Checking/Savings

CU Hawaii Savings 204

CU Hawaii-Checking 68,326

Bank of Hawaii 10,848

Total Checking/Savings 79,379

Accounts Receivable 1,875

Undeposited Funds 1,875

Total Current Assets 83,129

TOTAL ASSETS 83,129

LIABILITIES & EQUITY

Liabilities

Accounts Payable 375

Total Liabilities 375

Equity

Opening Bal Equity 2,152

Fund Balances 53,342

Net Income 27,259

Total Equity 83,129

TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 83,129

Ordinary Income/Expense

Donations

1% For the Planet 892

Other 807

Total Donations 1,699

Grants

West Hawaii Fund-Dryland 7,000

Kukio Community Fund-Dryland 5,000

Friends of Hawaii Charities Fdn.-Dryland 5,000

Cleo Foundation Fdn-Panaewa Zoo Discovery Forest 10,500

Captain Planet Fdn-Panaewa Zoo Discovery Forest 2,500

Samuel & Mary Castle Fdn-Honolulu Zoo Discovery

Forest 25,000

Pettus Fdn-Honolulu Zoo Discovery Forest 10,000

Cooke Fdn-Honolulu Zoo Discovery Forest 20,000

National Park Service-Honokohau National Park 7,500

Total Grants 92,500

Total Income 94,199

Expense

Administrative Services-HFIA 6,750

Project Expense

Dryland 28,485

Hawaii Forest Journal 315

Panaewa Zoo Discovery Forest 2,240

Honolulu Zoo Discovery Forest 9,075

Seed Bank 8,030

Total Project Expense 48,144

Professional Services

Grant Writing Services 8,073

Taxes 1,811

Total Professional Services 9,884

Dues and Subscriptions 150

Bank Fees 5

Insurance 2,006

Total Expense 66,940

Net Ordinary Income 27,259

Net Income 27,259

Income

Mahalo to our Partners and Contributors

Agro Resources Inc.

Amy Greenwell Garden

Aaron Erickson Arthur Lawrence Mullaly Fund of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation (West Hawai‘i Fund)

Atherton Family Foundation

Bello’s Millwork, Inc.—Eric and Mary Bello

Bill Healy Foundation

Clear Image-Yvonne Yarber Carter

Cleo Foundation

College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources

Cooke Foundation

Creative Grant Writing Services-Sherry Robinson

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

DLNR Division of Forestry & Wildlife East Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization

Forest Solutions, Inc.

Four Seasons Hotel

Friends of Hawaii Charities

Future Forests Nursery-Jill Wagner

Hawai‘i Forest Industry Association

Hawai‘i County Parks & Recreation

Hawai‘i Forest & Trail

Henk Rogers, Rogers Ranch at Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a

Kalaemanō Cultural Center

Kamehameha Schools

Keoki Apokolani Carter Kohala Center

Kukio Community Fund of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation

Kukio Resort

National Park Service

Pauline Worsham

Pettus Foundation

Rhonda Darling

Samuel N. and Mary Castle Foundation

TryLookInside Graphics

US Forest Service

West Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization Will J. Reid Foundation

A special Mahalo to Che Garcia, Hawaiian Koa Wood Rings for supporting HFI through 1 % for the Planet

P. O. Box 66

‘O‘ōkala, HI 96774

Phone: 808-933-9411 Email: hfi@hawaiiforest.org

Board of Directors Dr. Travis Idol, President

Dr. J.B. Friday, Vice President

William Yuen, Treasurer

Peter D. Simmons, Secretary

Don Bryan

Dr. Robert Osgood

Mike Robinson

Aileen Yeh Peter T. Young

Executive Director Heather Simmons