The Issue
In the heart of Upcountry Maui, Makawao Forest and Kahakapao Recreation Area are an important part of our community.

Hikers, runners, mountain bikers, horseback riders, hunters, families, children, conservation groups and countless others use and love this forest.

Following Hurricane Lila, Makawao Forest suffered extensive damage. Massive trees are down, debris covers portions of the forest, trails and infrastructure have been damaged, and the recreation area remains closed while the State of Hawaiʻi assesses the extent of the damage.

We understand why the forest is closed. Safety comes first.

This petition is not asking the State to reopen Makawao Forest before it is safe.

We are asking the State of Hawaiʻi and the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to make the recovery and safe reopening of Makawao Forest and Kahakapao Recreation Area a priority.

We respectfully ask the State to:
• Prioritize the recovery of Makawao Forest and dedicate the resources, professional crews, contractors and specialized equipment necessary to address the storm damage.

• Provide clear and transparent communication as assessments are completed, including the scope of the damage, recovery priorities, next steps and, when possible, realistic milestones toward reopening.

• Create a pathway for community assistance. Maui residents, organizations and businesses are already offering professional expertise, equipment connections, volunteer support, fundraising, grant-writing skills and other resources. We ask the State to identify how these resources can safely and legally assist the recovery.

• Pursue available funding and resources from State, County, Federal, disaster-recovery, grant, philanthropic and private-sector sources.

• Restore safe public access as soon as reasonably possible once hazards have been addressed and the appropriate agencies determine areas are safe.

Our community is ready to help.
At the first Save Makawao Forest community meeting, nearly 60 people participated in person and online to discuss what our community could do to support the recovery.

The question wasn't simply:

“When will the forest reopen?”

It was:

“How can we help?”
We recognize that DLNR and its divisions have significant responsibilities and that the scale of this recovery may be substantial.

We want to be a partner in the solution.

We believe government, community organizations, businesses, professionals and volunteers working collaboratively can give Makawao Forest the best opportunity for a safe and successful recovery.

Every signature demonstrates that this forest matters and that our community wants its recovery to remain a priority.

Don't let Makawao Forest be forgotten.
Develop the plan. Find the resources. Work with the community. Restore the forest.

Please sign and share.

🌲 SAVE MAKAWAO FOREST