ʻEwa Forest Reserve vandalized by tree removal and bench installation

Vandals have illegally chopped down at least 10 paperbark eucalyptus trees in the ʻEwa Forest Reserve above Wahiawā on Oʻahu. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) reported that the perpetrators also installed a wooden slat bench between two tree stumps, suggesting an attempt to create an unauthorized scenic viewpoint.

While eucalyptus trees are not native to Hawaiʻi, they were introduced in the early 1900s to combat erosion. Forestry officials noted that the destruction disrupts the forest ecosystem and creates an eyesore in a public land area used for fresh water, native species habitat, and recreation.

Under a new state law that took effect in June, the intentional destruction of a tree on state or county property without consent is a criminal misdemeanor. Violators may be required to pay the replacement value of the tree as determined by an arborist.