Conducting Research and Educational Activities
All persons interested in applying for permission to conduct research, research related activities, or educational activities must submit a permit application to the Research Technical Committee (RTC), through the Director of the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry. Once approved by the RTC, the Hawaii Island Branch Manager of the Division of Forestry and Wildlife has been delegated the authority to issue permits for Forest Reserve lands. Currently, all research conducted on the Laupahoehoe NAR must obtain a permit from the NARS Commission. All research projects must be approved by the RTC prior to beginning the field work.
Download Research Permit Application
Download Educational Activity Permit Application
Research Guidelines
This experimental forest has been established to address the critical natural resource and conservation questions that must be answered to effectively manage tropical forests and watersheds for a variety of objectives including restoration, preservation, and utilization. The experimental forest provides a land-base for conducting relevant natural resource related research - both biological and physical in nature. Studies related to management of forests, natural areas, wildlife, streams, watersheds, and fire as well as silviculture, soil ecology, invasive species, and global change are encouraged. Users of the site must adhere to the following guidelines:
- To initiate a new research project or educational activity, submit a Research or Educational Permit application to the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry (IPIF) Director.
- All research activities will need approval from the HETF Research Technical Committee. Requests for all permits should be submitted no later than 30 days before the expected start of field work or visit to allow sufficient time for review and processing.
- A copy of the permit must be carried with the permit holder in the field at all times.
- Access may be denied or rescheduled for any reason, including changes in field conditions (hurricanes, fire, earthquakes, or other reasons).
- All researchers or other visitors are required to ensure that all field-based personnel have first aid training, use appropriate safety equipment, and carry a first aid kit.
- All researchers are encouraged to submit copies of data generated from research at the HETF for long-term archiving in the HETF database (HETFDB).
- Researchers shall submit reprints or electronic PDF's of any publications resulting from their work on the HETF to the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry and Division of Forestry and Wildlife.
HETF acts in partnership with the following organizations:
Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources
Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife
Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry
USDA Forest Service