HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources is continuing to accept public testimony on a proposed addition to the state Natural Area Reserve System, following the public hearing that took place on April 30 in Honolulu. The deadline to submit testimony is May 16, 2008.

DLNR is proposing to create the Poamoho Natural Area Reserve within state-owned land that is currently part of the uppermost portion of the 'Ewa Forest Reserve. It is located above the 1,800 foot elevation between the Poamoho and Schofield-Waikane trails and bounded by the summit of the Ko'olau Mountains.

"The area proposed for the Poamoho Natural Area Reserve contains more than 25 rare and endangered plants, and 17 rare or endangered animals," said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairperson.

"Many of these are only found in the Ko'olau range and are perilously close to extinction from the impacts of invasive plants and animals. Because the biological wealth of Hawai'i is being depleted so rapidly, the Natural Area Reserves System seeks to protect the best remaining samples of its unique ecosystems," said Thielen.

Designation of a Poamoho natural area reserve would add to a complex of protected areas managed primarily for the benefit of native communities that encompass a large percentage of the northern Ko'olau Mountains.

The State of Hawai'i created the Natural Area Reserves System to preserve and protect representative samples of Hawaiian biological ecosystems and geological formations.

Copies of the draft nomination and a map of the area are available for inspection at the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife office at the Kalanimoku Building, Room 325, 1151 Punchbowl St. Honolulu, Hawai'i 96813.

Any person may testify on this proposal. Please send testimony by e-mail to email dlnr@hawaii.gov, fax at (808) 587-0064 or mail to:

Laura H. Thielen, Chairperson

Board of Land and Natural Resources

P.O. Box 621

Honolulu, Hawai'i 96809