Hawaii House Bill HCR19

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/12/24
• Refer: 3/8/24
• Report Pass: 4/1/24
• Refer: 4/3/24
• Engrossed: 4/1/24

Caption

Urging The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Work With The United States Fish And Wildlife Service To Implement A Native Plant Seeding Project In Mililani Mauka To Restore The Ecological Damage From The November 2023 Wildfires.

Impact

The proposed project aims to rehabilitate the ecosystem by planting drought-tolerant native plants, which require less maintenance and are essential to sustaining Hawaii's unique ecological landscape. The resolution also highlights the detrimental impact of non-native species that not only exacerbate fire risks but also threaten the recovery of native flora and fauna. By advocating for a seeding project, HCR19 seeks to bolster the resilience of the affected environments and support the recovery of federally designated endangered species vulnerable to invasive plants.

Summary

HCR19 is a House Concurrent Resolution urging the Department of Land and Natural Resources to collaborate with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to implement a native plant seeding project in Mililani Mauka. This initiative is a direct response to the ecological damage caused by wildfires in November 2023, which affected approximately 2.5 square miles of land, including critical habitats like the Oahu Forest National Wildlife Refuge and Koolau Mountains. The resolution emphasizes the importance of restoring native species to preserve biodiversity and protect against future wildfire threats.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HCR19 appears to be supportive, especially among environmental advocacy groups and stakeholders in conservation. Proponents argue that restoring native plants is critical for combating the ecological consequences of wildfires and ensuring that Hawaii’s native biodiversity thrives. Furthermore, collaboration between state and federal entities is viewed as a positive step toward effective wildlife conservation and ecosystem management.

Contention

While there is significant support for the resolution, discussions may arise regarding the implementation of such restoration projects, particularly concerning the resources required and the timeline for effective restoration. Some stakeholders may call for extensive planning and community involvement to ensure that the project not only restores the physical landscape but also integrates cultural perspectives and practices in the rehabilitation of natural areas. Furthermore, concerns about long-term maintenance and monitoring of the planted areas may also be points of contention.