LIHUE >> Researchers are looking into a reforestation method that may restore the cultural connection and natural balance of native forests.

The approach incorporates the traditional relationship the Hawaiian community has with forests instead of just looking to restore ecological health to an area, the Garden Island reported Sunday.

The new method potentially could save money, researchers said.

National Tropical Botanical Garden Kauai research associate Dr. Kawika Winter, in collaboration with the University of Hawaii at Manoa, explored the idea at Kauai’s North Shore Limahuli Garden and Preserve. The newly released paper on the concept looks at manager-defined ecological, hydrologic and cultural metrics of success, and long-term management costs and how they vary across different restoration strategies.

The Limahuli Garden and Preserve has the most biodiverse ecosystem in the Hawaiian archipelago, UH scholars said.