The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1904-11-01
FORESTRY BEST UNDER
GOVERNMENT CONTROL

In the following correspondence SUI
lperintendent Hosmer submits to Gov
ernor Carter reasons why the Hawaiian
system of forest reserves should be en-
tirely under Government control, and
then at the Governors request outlines
method whereby such Government
control may best be exercised for the
benefit of both the Territory and private
owners who surrender lands for forestry
purposes. Governor Carter sets the seal
of his approval to the whole scheme as
proposed by the Superintendent of For
estry. The communications are here
printed in FULL
Oct. 2sth, 1904.
Honorable George r. Carter, Governor
of the Territory of Hawaii, Homo
lulu T. II.
Sir:--Numerous inquiries are received
by this division concerning the forest
policy of the administration. 1t is
clained that until it is more definitely
known what action is likely to, be taken,
private owners are unwilling to go to
the expense of preparing maps and
statements in regard to surrendering
their lands for forest reserves.
As it is very desirable that these mat
ters be clearly understood, I have pre-
pared statement of what from con-
yerSationS and correspondence with
yourself / understand to be the atti-
tude of the administration on the essen
tial features of this question. If this
meets with your approval respectfully
request that you so inform me and
that you allow the correspondence to
be made public.
The essential points in the forest
policy of the present administration
may be thus summarized:
First: For the continued welfare and
development of the agricultural inter-
ests of this Territory, on which the
prosperity of the country depends, it is
essential that an ample water supply
be assured.
Second: To accomplish this end
through the protection of the water
sheds and the conservation Of the rain
fall, forest reserves are necessary and
essential.
Third: The forest reserves should in
clude all land which cannot be econo-
1nicaIIy used for purposes other than
forest, as well as such other areas as
are needed to protect the water sup +,
ply of permanent existing industries. !
Fourth. In negotiations with the
Government for a proposed forest re-
serve, if the owner of the forest land
is largely and primarily benefited by
the reservation, the Government mas
then the right to expect most liberal
terms: especially should this be the
case when the available areas Of Gov
eminent land in that neighborhood are
to be set aside for forest reserves
Fifth: In setting apart land for for
est reserves each case must be decided
on its own merits. 4
sixth: Under the Interpretation OF
the Organic Act by the legal adviser
NJ the administration, leases of public
land cannot be extended and all Gov
eminent lands that are sold outright OF
leased must be put up at public auc-
ton. =,
seventh: The administration is will
;re, To consider exchanges of land, fee
FOR fee. or lease for lease. but all sucni
exchanges must be on a basis OF value,
not of acreage.
eighth: 1t is the policy of the ad-
not to exchange large
areas of wild land for town lots or vice
versa.
Very respectfully.
RALPH S. HOSMER,
Superintendent of Forestry
L