335 
odd sugar plantations over half are irrigated. On the non-irri- 
galed plantations much water is needed for rluming cane to the 
mill or for power development. Other important industries are 
the growing and canning of pineapples, the production of rice, 
coffee, sisal and bananas, and cattle grazing. Rubber and tobacco 
give promise of good returns if rightly handled. 
Waters. — For the successful development of all these industries 
water is needed in larger or smaller quantities. In many cases 
this necessitates a supply artificially procured. There have already 
been built, wholly by private enterprise and at private expense 
amounting to over $15,000,000, elaborate irrigation systems to 
supply water for the irrigation of the sugar plantations. But as 
yet only a part of the water that could be turned to account is 
utilized. In the harnessing of the streams to produce power much 
also remains to be done. 
Naturally the first step in a more complete and rational utiliza- 
tion of this great source and producer of wealth is an accurate 
and exhaustive examination of the water resources of the Ter- 
ritory. In the judgment of this Commission the need for such a 
survey by competent water experts is the most pressing necessity 
in the way of Conservation work, for on the possibility of bring- 
ing more water onto the land depends the whole future develop- 
ment of the Territory. 
There are no navigable streams in the Territorv of Hawaii. 
The value of water centers in its use for irrigation and power 
development. 
Forests. — The primary value of the forests of Hawaii is that 
they serve as a protective cover on the steep, short water sheds 
of the streams needed for irrigation. This use was early recog- 
nized and has led to the setting apart of forest reserves — at first 
by private owners and later, during the last five years, under the 
direction of the Territorial Government. At the present time the 
total area of existing forest reserves is 444,116 acres, or about 
one-tenth of the total area of the Territory. Later it is expected 
considerably to increase the area so set apart. 
In certain of the leeward districts, where the question of stream 
protection does not enter, the Hawaiian forest has commercial 
value, and is being systematically exploited. The principal prod- 
ucts are Ohia Lehua railroad ties and Koa lumber — in the trade 
called Hawaiian Mahogany — a fine grained, rich-colored hard- 
wood, of value for interior finish and cabinet work. 
The forest work of the Territory is carried on by technically 
trained men, Hawaii being one of the eleven States of the Union 
to employ a professional forester. 
Lands. — Outside of the lands now under cultivation and those 
that should be kept permanently under forest there are consid- 
erable areas that with the application of water could unquestion- 
ably be made of high productive value. This class of land is now 
used principally for cattle grazing. In the aggregate it includes 
