About Hawai‘i Forest Industry Association

Established in 1989, the Hawai‘i Forest Industry Association (HFIA) is a not-for-profit corporation founded by and for people committed to managing and maintaining healthy and productive forests.

HFIA Quick Facts

Established in 1989
Promotes a balance of forest land uses
Recognized trade association
Ensures health of Hawaii's forests
Involved in training, marketing, science and legislation

As Hawaii’s recognized forest industry trade association, HFIA, through education, planning, information exchange, marketing, and advocacy, encourages the responsible expansion of Hawaii’s $29 million annual forest industry. HFIA’s programs promote healthier forests, increased business, and more jobs (currently numbered at more than 1,000) within the sector.

HFIA’s diverse membership includes woodworkers, landowners, sawyers, foresters, growers, environmentalists, entrepreneurs, government officials and others interested in the organization’s goals. The association promotes a balance of forest land uses ranging from protecting and restoring native forests to managing commercial tree farms.

Among HFIA’s many projects are: an annual WoodShow; regular newsletters; restoring an endangered dryland forest in North Kona; promotion of the Hawaii’s Wood brand and providing other marketing assistance to woodworkers; sponsoring symposia and workshops; and offering professional training.

HFIA’s purposes are:

to manage and encourage sound forestry practices for the benefit of our forests and the forest products industry of Hawai‘i;
to promote the health of Hawaii’s forests;
to promote public relations for the Hawai‘i forest industry and to stimulate interest, use and involvement in the forest products industry in Hawai‘i;
to provide members and others with opportunities for dialog, education, advancement, and improvement in all aspects of the Hawai‘i forest industry;
to promote, foster and develop industry standards, research and develop-ment, quality control and industry integrity in the State of Hawai‘i;
to articulate and advocate as a focused voice the needs and interests of the forest industry before local, state and federal governments; and
to operate as an official trade association of the Hawai‘i forest industry for the purpose of promoting a common business interest.

Board of Directors

Mike Robinson, President
Bart Potter, Vice President
Peter Simmons, Treasurer
Mats Fogelvik, Secretary
Bill Cowern
Kip Dunbar
Nick Dudley
Travis Idol
Lloyd Jones
Tai Lake
Larry Nitz
Bob Osgood
Sally Rice
Steve Smith
Jay Warner
Ed Winkle
Aileen Yeh

Executive Director

Heather Gallo

Development Coordinator

Deborah Griffiths