Vandals chop down trees in Ewa Forest Reserve

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – State officials are investigating after several trees were illegally cut down in the Ewa Forest Reserve above Wahiawa.

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The Department of Land and Natural Resources said at least 10 paperbark eucalyptus trees were chopped down, leaving splintered trunks several feet high.

Officials said a bench was also installed in the area, suggesting the trees may have been removed to create a scenic viewpoint.

“This is not only illegal, it is disrespectful to the aina,” said Ryan Peralta, a forestry program manager with the Division of Forestry and Wildlife’s Oahu Branch.

While paperbark eucalyptus is not native to Hawaii, DLNR said the species was intentionally introduced in the early 1900s to help reduce erosion.

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Peralta said the damage disrupts the forest ecosystem and leaves an eyesore on public land.

Under Hawaii administrative rules, it is illegal to remove, injure or kill plant life in public forest reserves.

Officials are asking anyone who witnesses violations to contact the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement at 808-643-DLNR or report them through the DLNR Tip app.

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