Protect our forests to protect our water supply

By William J. Aila Jr.

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Feb 26, 2012

~~<p>Over a century ago, Hawaii's leaders made a wise choice. In those days, drying streams and declining water sources were threatening the islands' prosperity and sustainability. To solve the grave water problem, leaders turned their gaze upwards — to the mauka forests that clothe our mountains.</p>
<p>Guided by the ancient Hawaiian proverb, "Hahai no ka ua i ka ululā ‘au" (the rain follows the forest), King David Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani established ambitious forest protection programs to replenish groundwater, because they understood the practical and cultural significance of wai (water).</p>
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Over a century ago, Hawaii's leaders made a wise choice. In those days, drying streams and declining water sources were threatening the islands' prosperity and sustainability. To solve the grave water problem, leaders turned their gaze upwards — to the mauka forests that clothe our mountains.

Guided by the ancient Hawaiian proverb, "Hahai no ka ua i ka ululā ‘au" (the rain follows the forest), King David Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani established ambitious forest protection programs to replenish groundwater, because they understood the practical and cultural significance of wai (water). Login for more...