HI HR73

Mount Kaala Natural Area Reserve was established by Executive Order No. 3099 on November 14, 1981, encompassing 1,100 acres in the Waianae Mountains on Oahu with an elevation range of 4,020 feet at the summit to 1,200 feet at the base.

The reserve currently hosts 12 natural communities (2 rare), 208 native plant taxa (69 rare), and 11 native animal taxa (7 rare), with ongoing management including feral pig and non-native weed control.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources is urged to explore expanding the Mount Kaala Natural Area Reserve to include the slopes of Mount Kaala, particularly in the Waialua direction, in consultation with the Natural Area Reserves Systems Commission.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources must report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the convening of the 2023 Regular Session.

Certified copies of the resolution shall be transmitted to the Governor, Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and Chairperson of the Natural Area Reserves System Commission.