Kaua‘i Residents Asked to Comment on Expanding Alaka‘i Wilderness Protections

The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is seeking community feedback on a proposed fencing project to protect an additional 2,400 acres in the Alakaʻi Wilderness Preserve on Kauaʻi," the Department of Land and Natural Resources said in a release dated February 17, 2026 from Līhuʻe bearing Governor Josh Green, M.D., and Ryan Kanakaʻole, acting chairperson.

DLNR materials describe the Alakaʻi as Hawaiʻi’s only wilderness preserve and note it "is home to the headwaters of the Kawaikōī, Waikoali and Mōhihi streams." The agency framed the proposal as protecting those headwaters and the Garden Isle’s water resources while preserving native species and providing for cultural practices in the high-elevation bog and plateau often called the Alakaʻi Swamp.

Project specifics in DOFAW outreach say the proposed 2,400-acre fence would "strategically connect with other parts of the Alakaʻi that are already fenced to exclude invasive ungulates (pigs, deer)." The release adds that "gates and stepovers will be built into the fence to maintain public access." DOFAW produced an educational StoryMap titled "Additional Protection in the Alakaʻi Wilderness Preserve" that outlines benefits, management challenges, and next steps, and the StoryMap includes an online survey at the bottom for public input.

DOFAW materials and related reporting identify the conservation targets inside the proposed enclosure: removal and exclusion of pigs and deer and the eradication of invasive plants such as Himalayan ginger and strawberry guava to reduce impacts on native plants and at-risk forest birds. The birds named in agency materials include the endangered ʻakikiki, puaiohi, and ʻakekeʻe. State outreach also cites protecting native flora while slowing the spread of the fungal pathogen Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death as a management objective.

The DLNR "Share Your Voice" listing for the StoryMap shows the item as an Information & Input Survey and records the deadline as "None," indicating no closing date was provided in the posted materials. The release also notes photos and video are available from DLNR for the project (Photo 1, Photo 2).

Public reaction is mixed in the captured social snapshot. A Facebook post about the project recorded 27 reactions, 13 comments and 5 shares. Comments range from support, "Protecting the Alakai is a good thing.", to concerns about access and maintenance, for example Jan Masukawa's comment: "As long as it will protect the wildlife and they need to maintenance once it’s put in . Anything that is environmental safe for people and animals and nature. To also maintain the ecosystem and walking area ." Other commenters urged caution about restricting access or suggested alternate priorities for invasive-species work.

DOFAW’s StoryMap and survey are the agency’s primary engagement tools for this proposal; the February 17, 2026 release directs interested individuals to review the StoryMap and use the survey to provide feedback. The release does not provide a construction timetable, cost estimate, or precise fence coordinates, and the Share Your Voice entry lists no deadline for comments.