The state and U.S. Forestry are promoting partnerships with Hawai'i schools to plant more trees. Photo from DLNR

TREE CANOPIES FOR HAWAI'I COMMUNITIES AND SCHOOLS are being encouraged by the state Department of Land & Natural Resources, U.S. Forest Service and educational institutions. The aim is to advance the Hawai'i Forest Action Plan priorities in Urban & Community Forestry and to contribute toward the State of Hawai'i's pledge to conserve, restore or grow 100 million trees by 2030.
    Dr. Heather McMillen, DLNR's Division of Forestry & Wildlife's Kaulunani Urban & Community Forest Program Coordinator, announced partnerships with public schools this week to promote shadier, more tree-filled campuses and healthier learning environments for our next generation of leaders. "Studies

have shown an association between tree canopy and cooler temperatures as well as improved mental and physical health for students. Leading urban forestry researchers recommend a minimum of 30% tree canopy cover to realize those benefits. However, the vast majority of our schools and surrounding neighborhoods are well below that minimum. These three projects will demonstrate diverse ways to address a critical need,” said McMillen.
    One project, operated by Hawai'i Public Health Institute's Food Trees for Schools Initiative, aims to plant and maintain food trees at public schools, potentially impacting nearly 15,000 students. Another, sponsored by University of Hawai'i, is called 'Ulu Trees for Schools, and is starting on O'ahu.
    See more on encouraging tree canopies in villages, towns and cities in Hawai'i at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/forestry/lap/kaulunani/

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PĀHALA COMMUNITY CENTER WILL BE THE SITE FOR PUBLIC INPUT ON zoning and subdivision codes, both seen as important to the ability to produce affordable housing and the ability to preserve land for agriculture and conservation, as well as to start businesses. The meeting will be at Pāhala Community Center this Wednesday, Jan. 18 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. It is sponsored by County of Hawai'i. Planning Department and other team members will explain suggested changes to the codes and take public input. For the draft changes to the code, see http://COHcodeupdate.com.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.THE COUNTY'S AFFORDABLE HOUSING PRODUCTION PROGRAM will open for public comment on its draft Administrative Rules on Jan. 20. The purpose of the program administered by the Office of Housing &Community Development is "to support, increase and sustain affordable housing production in the County of Hawai'i."
    A statement on the OHCD website says, "Increasing the availability and accessibility of affordable housing remains Mayor Mitch Roth’s top priority. In June 2022, the Council passed, and Mayor Roth signed Ordinance 22-77, which appropriates at least $5,000,000 per year for the Office of Housing & Community Development to facilitate programs that support affordable housing production. For fiscal year 2022-23, the OHCD will receive $9,000,000."
    The comment period on the new rules is open from Jan. 20 through Feb. 21. The draft can be viewed, starting Jan. 20, at https://www.housing.hawaiicounty.gov/grants-funding/affordable-housing-production-program-ahap.
    A public hearing will be held Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. in person and via zoom. The location is 1990 Kino'ole St, Conference Room 104 in Hilo. To participate via Zoom register at https://www.housing.hawaiicounty.gov/grants-funding/affordable-housing-production-program-ahap.
    Written comments can be submitted via email to ohcdcdbg@hawaiicounty.gov by 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 21. Mail to OHCD, 1990 Kino'ole St., Suite 102, Hilo, Hi 86720-5293. See more at https://www.housing.hawaiicounty.gov/.