Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1914-08-22
RETIRING FORESTER R. S HOSMER SURVEYS HIS
W0RkIN HAWAII MAKES IMPORTANT SUGGESTIONS

here under our local condition The
Division OF Forestry has helped 10
make better and more widely known
several species that had previously
been introduced, especially japanese
cedar, certain of. the eucaIypts, and a
basket willow from the Azores. II has
as well developed the use of ironwoods
as a Windbreak for canehelds near the
ocean and has started upon the inves-
tigation OK many new trees about
which it is yet too soon to have posi-
tive information to give out.
The forest FIRE law in Hawaii dates
from 1905. Under its terms forest
fire service consisting of volunteer dis.
trict fire wardens has been organized
and kept strictly up-to-date. This skele.
ton organization has been effective in
combating all fires that have occurred
and furthermore has gone long way
toward firmly fixing in the minds of the
people generally that the board of agri
culture and forestry means business in
its enforcement of the terms of the
forest fire law A number of convic.
tons have been secured. especially dur
ing the past three or four years, where
Hdo dIAO"CA ~ CoSopO
through preyentable carelessness. This
action has had salutary effect in Ger.
tain sections of the territory where the
danger from fire was high.
Very fortunately, Hawaii has suf-
fered but little from forest fires. But
in the leeward districts and in occa-
sional dry years even in those normal
Iy subject to heavy rainfall, the danger
OF fire is always present The time to
make ready for fighting fire is before it
starts. Hawaii is. prepared.
Recommendations. -:
Just how soon it will be possible to
establish a regular service of forest
rangers, paid by and responsible solely
to the board of agriculture and foreS-
try, is a question of financial policy.
But until such force of efficient men
is organized to patrol the reserves,
prevent trespass, see that the fences
are maintained, ,eXterminate the re-
naming wild stock in the forests, and
prevent forest fires, the Hawaiian for
est reserve system will not be properly
administered. This is now tie first
need in forestry in Hawaii. !
Next, the territory is long way yet |
from having enough groves and plan.
Lations of trees of economically valu. |
able species. This is equally true of |
government and of privately owned
and. Fuel supply in certain districts, I
fence posts, railroad ties, bridge TIM
1ers and other lumber for rough work,
20 say nothing of construction timber,
will always be required In Hawaii
With the diminishing wood supply on
he mainland the price of lumber will
certainly not recede. 1t may make
advances 1t has been
adapted to local conditions that can
supply at least part of the local de-
nand. 1t needs no argument to show
he wisdom of establishing plantations
# such species on land that cannot
lrofitably be used for agriculture.
Forest Fire Service Essential.
Along with the other forms of for
st protection it is essential that the
erritory keep up an efficient forest fire
eryice. 1t will continue the duty of
he Division of Forestry to see that the
resent forest fire organization is |,
and when necessary ex-
anded.
There are, as well, many lines OF
crest investigation which it should be
be policy of the board of agriculture
nd forestry to encourage. The intro
uction of species of trees new to the
stands, the experimental planting OF
zone trees on the high
and enough publicity and
EDUCATIONAL work so that the public
hall be kept fully informed as to the
ecessity for forestry in the islands
nd its needs, are all matters that
heuld have attention. f.
THE practice of forestry must al
avs continue to be one of the import:
Mt functions of the territorial govern. 2
ent. On the foundation that has been 7
lid in the past decade. may the Diyi, I
on of Forestry build strongly and l