The protected tropical dry forests of Hawaii are mostly healthy and lively. The typical dry forests
in Hawaii are used to sustain livestock and are able to plant new exotic
grasses. These help the diversity of the land and help to prevent wipe-out of
species through one disease. In the early ages of the tropical dry forests,
Polynesians used the land for growing agriculture as well as animal grazing. After the Polynesians, the use of the land was continued throughout the ages and has made a big impact on the lands of the tropical dry forests. The biggest benefit for people in this ecosystem is being able to plant crops
because of the good condition of the tropical dry forests where it receives less
than 50 cm of rain annually. The aesthetic nature of the forests also benefit many tourists and native peoples as well. (10)
http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/geog/tdfpacific/hawaii.html
Jessica Hsieh