10 Guidelines for Native Plant Restoration Projects in Hawaiʻi

This information was prepared by the Hawaiʻi Rare Plant Restoration Group (HRPRG) to support community groups with native plant restoration objectives, working in natural areas. HRPRG specializes in the recovery of rare plants, for which habitat restoration is a key strategy. These guidelines focus on using native plants in restoration–this is not a comprehensive guide for all restoration goals and challenges.

Who are you? What are your goals?

We acknowledge that restoration is a term that can be applied broadly, even within the context of plant restoration. Often, multiple intentions shape plant restoration, and these objectives likely overlap, usually in complex ways.

Here are some examples of why we do plant restoration in Hawaiʻi (top).

In trying to visualize their interactions, the Venn diagram (bottom left) seemed insufficient to capture how these objectives might overlap, with their interactions being restricted to the neighboring objectives.

In a more realistic model (bottom right), objectives may vary in importance to any one project, and the weight of relationships between objectives can vary (the amount of overlap).

Here, we draw on decades of experience from native plant restoration professionals to address key considerations for native plant restoration projects. These are especially important if you are collaborating with land managed by the DLNR, such as State Forest Reserves and State Parks. Private landowners are highly encouraged to consider the following Restoration Project Guidelines as they can help support the success of native plant restoration efforts.

Restoration Guidelines

The first two guidelines are central to communication and key relationships that can support your project. #3-7 are overviews of key concepts that guide ecological restoration. #8-9 are crucial components for planning; lastly, #10 touches on Endangered Species management.

Starting your effort in conversation with landowners and restoration specialists is not only essential for navigating permissions and permits, but will support your learning process through the rest of the more technical and operational components to restoration. Click on each question to learn more.

1. Consult with local Restoration Specialists

We highly recommend being familiar with the organizations and guidelines shared below. These practitioners can help support you through understanding the guidelines listed below to make the work safer, easier, and more effective. Additionally, you can print a checklist to review with your island's restoration specialist and document information specific to your project site.

Directory for Island Botanists? Forest Steward staff? DOFAW planners?

Kauaʻi

Oʻahu (Susan, James, etc.)

Maui Nui

Hawaiʻi

Add Links to:

Laukahi

DOFAW, Kaʻulunani

STEW-Map

These practitioners can help support you through understanding many of the guidelines listed below–native species, seed sources, phytosanitation, monitoring, invasive control, and tools to make the work safer, easier, and more effective.

2. Communicating with Landowners

Knowing who the landowner is at your project site is crucial for communication. Private landowners have additional resources available to them for conducting native plant restoration on their property. Projects occurring in collaboration with State land management agencies should be in contact with their island Botanist or Resource Management Planners (see #1).

If you are not the landowner of where you want to collect seed, remove non-natives, or plant native plants, remember to engage in conversation with the landowner before you get started! There are different permissions and/or permits depending on the kind of plants you are working with (such as endangered plants), land tenure (state, federal, or private lands), and intended use (traditional cultural practices, personal, commercial, or scientific).

Use this form to determine what permissions and permits you need for your restoration project (link to Google Form)

Permits are required for any work on State lands, including collecting and planting common native plant species.
Permits are required for any work with Threatened and Endangered (T&E) Species. Refer to #10 if you are interested in incorporating T&E species into your restoration.

3. Avoid Commercial Nursery Stock

While commercial nursery stock is useful for private gardens, education, and landscaping, it is rarely the best choice for restoration and conservation work. Nursery stock refers to plants sold “off the shelf”. These often lack source information and genetic diversity, which reduces long-term fitness and ultimately, the success of your restoration efforts. See sections 4 and 5 for more about genetically appropriate seed sources, and we encourage you to collaborate with your restoration specialist to understand what this means for your project.

Commercial nurseries may be crucial to your project. Consider budgeting for additional collection contracts to ensure that the appropriate stock is grown for your site.

4. Consider Geographic Location & Use Only Native, Locally Sourced Species

Identify your site’s mountain range, elevation, and whether it’s on the leeward or windward side to inform what plants will do well at your site, for long-term success.

Non-native species are not appropriate for native forest restoration projects.
At a minimum, plants should be sourced within the same moku (island) as the restoration site to maintain ecological integrity.
Identify the habitat type (e.g., coastal, dry forest, shrubland, mesic, wet forest) to guide species selection.
Seed zone maps show a geographically defined area where plant materials (like seeds or seedlings) can be transferred with minimal risk of poor adaptation to the new location. At this time, the best example of a seed zone map for Hawaiʻi is the ʻŌhiʻa Seed Collection Zones developed by Laukahi Network members. Please note these were designed for collecting ʻōhiʻa seeds. Consider reviewing them with your restoration specialist to understand how to use them best to guide seed collections for your effort.
Collaborate with your local branch of DLNR and restoration specialists. They can help you navigate resources and who to contact, and may even be able to provide plants for your project.

Figure: Example Seed Zones/Populations for hypothetical species on Oʻahu.

5. Represent Genetic Diversity

In addition to building species diversity into your restoration, ensuring the genetic diversity of your outplantings will contribute to the long-term success of your restoration. Remember, seed collecting should only take place after your project has communicated with the landowners and obtained permission and necessary permits. The following four practices are foundational to building genetic diversity into your restoration. Click each one to learn more. Consider contacting your local DLNR branch or restoration specialists to help find appropriate plants–they may even be able to provide them!

Collect from Many Individuals

Collect seeds from a minimum of 10, 30, or 50 individuals per population (depending on the plant type) to maintain genetic diversity. Consult your collection permit for this information.
Space collections across the population to avoid sampling closely related individuals.
Collect plants with a range of traits or features, like short to tall plants, those with wide leaves to those with narrow leaves, and different colors

of leaves or flowers, as well as healthy to scraggly-looking individuals. This helps represent the full gene pool at your site and increases the resilience of the plant community.

Collect at different times during the fruiting season to capture early, mid, and late-maturing seeds.
Sample across the site’s microhabitats and elevation gradients, if present

Spread Collections Over Time and Space

Take a Small Proportion

Collect no more than 10–20% of available ripe seeds from any one plant to minimize impact on natural regeneration. However, refer to your permits for total take amounts.

Document Everything and Follow Local Guidelines for Tracking Provenance

Record location (GPS), date, habitat type, elevation, and plant characteristics.
HRPRG has developed a system to track the source of plant materials collected from the wild and used in restoration from seed to outplanting. More information about how this system works is available here: Naming Rare Plant Populations, Subpopulations, Sites, and Plants

6. Phytosanitation

Phytosanitation refers to plants that are clean of pests and disease. When conducting restoration, it is crucial to follow good sanitation practices to prevent the movement of unwanted pests and diseases. This is especially important when working in natural areas, as detecting changes in presence/absence/extent is more challenging and the introduction of new pests and diseases could have catastrophic impacts on native ecosystems and endangered species. Plants, tools, shoes, clothing, hiking gear, and other materials brought into the site should be cleaned and inspected to remove all weed seeds, pests, and soil-borne pathogens. Click for more resources.

Effective phytosanitation considers that:

All plants used in restoration are free of invasive pests, snails, weeds, and diseases.
Plants should be visually inspected and tested for ants before being transferred and planted. Refer to the HRPRG phytosanitation guidelines [link provided].
Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD) is a disease impacting large tracts of ʻōhiʻa forest on Hawaiʻi Island. As it is currently less prevalent on other islands, ROD phytosanitation guidelines have been developed to slow down its spread and protect native forest. By following these guidelines you are supporting this effort, and protecting your restoration from potential ROD impacts.

Currently, Little Fire Ant, Coqui Frog, and Coconut Rhinocerous Beetle are important pest species to be aware of, especially because one of the ways these species move around is through plant nursery materials and products. Follow the links above for more information about specific issues.

7. Review and Follow Propagation Protocols

Growing native plants for habitat restoration requires careful planning, attention to local conditions, and adherence to best practices that ensure ecological integrity and long-term success.

Seed Handling and Storage: Use proper handling, cleaning, drying and storage conditions to preserve viability. HRPRG BMP in development (9/2025).
Seed drying: The HSBP has developed Drying Protocols describing these practices.
Plant Propagation: Follow species-specific propagation practices, where available. Resources include A Native Hawaiian Garden, the web version of the book A Native Hawaiian Garden: How to Grow and Care for Island Plants by John Culliney and Bruce Koebele (1999).
Nursery Practices: Use clean, well-labeled containers and avoid cross-contamination. Avoid synthetic fertilizers and pesticides unless necessary. The HRPRG has a Nursery Management BMP describing these practices.

8. Plan for Long Timelines

Seed sourcing and plant propagation alone can take 6–12 months or more. During this time, begin site preparation by removing invasives, establishing management trails, and improving soil conditions. Once planted, some species can take years to become established and produce seeds on their own. Click for some tips and references.

Tip 1: Larger trees and shrubs generally offer more immediate habitat impact than smaller herbaceous species.
Tip 2: Planting in phases with workhorse species first is recommended (link to HSBP workhorse list?)
Reminder: Use Herbicides and other management tools responsibly. Herbicide labels outline allowable uses of the product in various settings. Additionally, always consult the landowner before using any chemicals at your restoration site.
Useful references include:
- The Forest Stewardship Handbook (DLNR/DOFAW)
- I Hoʻōla I Ka Nahele (Dan Sailer)

9. Define Project Goals, Monitor Indicators of Success, and Adapt Management

Different restoration objectives will vary in their metrics of success, and the measurements you use will allow you to track progress towards and evaluate the success of your actions. There are numerous resources available–in the form of documents and people–who can help guide you in defining monitoring for your specific objectives.

We all want your projects and tireless efforts to be successful, with impactful results to last for years and even future generations!

By clearly defining measurable restoration goals (e.g., increasing native plant cover to 50%, or reducing erosion by 25% within 3 years) and developing a monitoring protocol, you and your team can track your efforts toward success. By collaborating with your local restoration experts, you can develop goals and metrics together to align your efforts that will advance progress for both your group’s goals and statewide goals. This will help clarify which measurements are the most applicable and support the development of an actionable monitoring plan for your project. Collecting the right information allows you to compare results to your original goals and look for trends in survival, cover, diversity, or invasive species control strategy.

Rare Plant Recovery

Threatened & Endangered (T&E) species are protected by federal and state laws, therefore, please coordinate with your local DOFAW branch if you’d like to incorporate endangered or rare species. They depend on diverse native plant communities for survival and protection from stresses like drought and erosion. Permits are required for all activities involving Threatened and Endangered species on both public and private lands. More information about obtaining permits in Hawaiʻi is available here: HRPRG Permits. Remember:

- Planting T&E species on public lands requires permits
- Planting T&E species on private lands requires both permits and landowner permission.
- Once planted, T&E species have the same legal protection as wild individuals—removal and other management requires avoidance, additional permits, and mitigation.
- Seedlings that survive naturally onsite are legally protected and cannot be disturbed.

T&E species must be protected from ungulates (feral goats, cattle, pigs, deer, sheep). Sites in areas with ungulates must be fenced and animals removed before planting. Fences must be maintained in perpetuity.

Ongoing threat management is needed to ensure species persistence. Threat control plans must be developed, implemented, and maintained in perpetuity for:
- Wildfire control and prevention
- Prevention of trampling
- Eliminating or reducing the impacts of invasive non-native arthropods, mollusks, rodents, non-native birds, and invasive plants

Ecosystems Extension

University of Hawaiʻi, Cooperative Extension Program