This page left intentionally blank EXECUTIVE SUMMARYImmediate action is needed to secure Hawaii's water supply. Hotter, drier conditions and damaged watersheds are escalating the costs and conflicts over water. While climate change is a problem on a global scale, simple, local actions can safeguard Hawaii's declining water sources. Protecting forest watersheds is the most cost effective and efficient way to absorb rainwater and replenish ground water. Watersheds also reduce impacts from climate change by absorbing greenhouse gases and reducing flooding, erosion, and siltation of reefs and fisheries. Additionally, forests sustain irreplaceable cultural and natural values.Half of Hawaii's forests have already been lost. Alien species, such as feral pigs and goats trample and devour vegetation, leaving bare ground or openings for alien plants that consume more water and increase runoff. Controlling these and other threats requires a large-scale effort to protect these irreplaceable natural assets. Governor Abercrombie's A New Day in Hawai`i plan calls for the stewardship of the natural resources that our survival, economy, and quality of life depend on. Priority actions of the plan include managing invasive species, increasing Hawaii's ability to withstand impacts from climate change, and restoring capabilities of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) by finding additional sources of funding. The New Day Status Report also tasks the DLNR to ensure mauka watersheds are fully functioning so fresh water resources can be utilized and enjoyed by the people of Hawai`i in perpetuity. The Rain Follows the Forest is the Department's plan to implement these central goals of the Abercrombie administration.The Rain Follows the Forest identifies priority watersheds and outlines on-the-ground actions and projects required to protect and sustain Hawaii's critical water sources. The forests and their ability to capture water depend on the protection provided by the actions listed in this plan. To be successful, these actions must occur on a large scale across ownership boundaries, through agreements and leveraged funds provided by the statewide watershed partnerships. Currently, only 10% of the priority watershed areas are protected. This level of management has taken 40 years to achieve. The Department of Land and Natural Resources' goal is to double the amount of protected watershed areas in just 10 years. This will require approximately $11 million per year, and create over 150 local jobs. Funding for watershed protection must be commensurate with the magnitude of the threats to Hawaii's water supply. This plan challenges Hawaii's leaders to dedicate funding to ensure the availability and affordability of fresh water, the essence of life on these islands.