The County of Maui Department of Management invites all community members to participate in the upcoming Maui County Council committee meeting this Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 9 a.m., where the approach for developing a Maui County Urban Forest Management Plan will be discussed.

This new initiative aims to create a comprehensive strategy for enhancing, preserving and sustainably managing Maui island’s urban forests — trees and green spaces located in neighborhoods, parks, schools, streets and commercial areas. These natural assets play a crucial role in reducing urban heat, managing stormwater, supporting biodiversity and improving overall quality of life.

The meeting will be held by the Council’s Agriculture, Diversification, Environment, and Public Transportation Committee. Details on how to access the meeting and view the agenda are available at: http://tiny.cc/tvtl001.

During the session, Karen Comcowich, County of Maui planner, and Kimberly Thayer of SR Partners LLC, a County contractor, will present concepts for the upcoming Urban Forest Management Plan. Community engagement is expected to begin this summer, with the final plan slated for completion by January 2027.

With collaboration among Maui County departments, forestry experts and community stakeholders, the plan once completed will provide a framework for managing existing trees in public spaces — such as streets, parks and parking lots — while identifying opportunities to plant and grow the island’s urban forest.

Funding for the project is provided by the Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program under the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and the United States Department of Agriculture Urban and Community Forestry.

In recognition of the importance of community forests, Gov. Josh Green proclaimed 2025 as the Year of Our Community Forests on Jan. 10, followed by similar declarations from Mayor Richard Bissen on March 1 and the Maui County Council on May 2.

For more information about the launch of the Maui County Urban Forest Management Plan public scoping, contact Karen Comcowich at (808) 270-7214 or longrangedivision@co.maui.hi.us.

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