Did you know that 2023 was the Year of the Kāhuli, celebrating the small mollusks of our native forests?

And that the Year of the Forest Birds, celebrating our unique endemic creepers, just ended in 2024?

These initiatives, declared by gubernatorial proclamation, aim to raise awareness, foster stewardship, and celebrate the rich natural and cultural heritage of Hawai‘i’s unique ecosystems. The “year of” initiative began with the 2022 Year of the Limu, driven by community efforts of KUA and the Limu Hui, to highlight Hawai‘i’s resource management needs.

In 2025, Hawai‘i is commemorating the “Year of Our Community Forests” to spotlight their vital role in supporting our environment, health, and well-being.

What Are Community And Urban Forests?

As community forests are commonly integrated into our cities and towns, they are also often referred to as urban forests. Community forests, as described by DOFAW, are “a collection of trees in the wao kanaka, where we live, learn, and play.”

These include trees in neighborhoods, yards, parks, schools, and streets. They provide gathering spaces, shade, clean air, food, wood, leaves, and flowers, enriching our lives and connecting us to nature. They allow residents to steward natural resources while preserving ecological, cultural, and economic benefits, fostering sustainable living and intergenerational learning.

Think of the monkeypods lining boulevards, coconut trees shading parks, or botanical gardens enriching urban centers. These kīpuka beautify surroundings, improve air and water quality, reduce heat, and provide wildlife habitat, benefiting everyone.

Did you know that being near a tree can reduce stress and blood pressure? And that trees increase property value, produce food, and provide lumber?

Community forests offer “tree”mendous benefits that are increasingly recognized through scientific research.

The Roots Of Community Forestry

Hawai‘i has a rich Indigenous history of community-driven forestry. Traditionally, agroforestry was a dominant practice. Today, programs and organizations continue to develop community forestry.

For example, UH Mānoa is an accredited arboretum showcasing plants from Hawai‘i and beyond, including the largest African Baobab tree in the U.S. Kaulunani, Hawai‘i’s Urban and Community Forestry Program, enhances urban tree canopies and promotes “Tree Equity” — so all communities can benefit from urban trees. The Exceptional Tree Program, established in 1975, preserves significant trees as living testaments to conservation.

An outstanding example is Kokua Kalihi Valley on Oʻahu, where the community manages forests for food, medicine, and culture, gaining knowledge, building relationships, and improving health. Similarly, the Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden on Hawai‘i island became a “formal” community forest using federal funds, preserving it for community benefit. These initiatives highlight the potential of community forestry.

Why Celebrate Community Forests?

Forests, from remote rainforests to small urban groves, are integral to life in Hawai‘i. They provide clean water, prevent erosion, and sequester carbon, combating climate change. They make cities more livable by cooling them, filtering pollutants, and offering spaces for relaxation. Forests also support arts and culture by supplying materials and they foster biodiversity by providing habitat for insects, birds, bats and other animals.

Community forestry strengthens social bonds. Collaborating to care for forests fosters pride and shared responsibility. Schools, nonprofits, and neighborhoods plant trees, maintain trails, and host educational events, creating connections. Community forests also support formal and informal learning about trees, ecosystems, biodiversity, and cultural history. These interactions build a strong, healthy “communi‘tree.”

Hawai‘i’s efforts are rooted in cultural values like mālama ʻāina — caring for the land. Whether through traditional agroforestry or native species protection, community forests embody the principle that caring for the land sustains both the environment and people.

What’s Next?

The “Year of Our Community Forests” will include tree planting, tree care, and guided forest walks. Subsequent articles will explore topics like Arbor Day, the Exceptional Tree Program, and urban forests’ role in climate resilience.

As this celebration begins, we invite you to notice the green spaces around you and reflect on how trees enrich our lives.

Join us in learning, collaborating, and contributing to these vital spaces. The “Year of Our Community Forests” is about building communities and fostering shared responsibility for nature. And stay tuned for updates on the Division of Forestry and Wildlife website.

Editor’s note: This Community Voice was co-authored by the Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Council. It acts in an advisory capacity to Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program and the State Forestry Program within the Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Department of Land and Natural Resources. The council provides recommendations, direction, and strategic guidance for an array of community forestry initiatives including reviewing grant applications, recommending the approval for community projects, and advising on educational and outreach initiatives. Click here for more information.