Hawaii House Bill HCR40

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/3/25
• Refer: 3/14/25
• Report Pass: 3/28/25
• Engrossed: 3/28/25
• Refer: 3/31/25
• Report Pass: 4/16/25
• Passed: 4/17/25

Caption

Urging The Department Of Land And Natural Resources And Other State Agencies To Work With Committed Community Groups To Co-steward Community Forests Located On Public Lands For The Betterment Of The State's Forests And Communities.

Impact

The proposed co-stewardship aims to enhance the management and conservation of Hawaii's unique forests, thus benefiting both the environment and the local communities. By leveraging community engagement, the resolution highlights health benefits associated with access to nature, such as reduced stress and improved well-being. Additionally, the environmental advantages include improved air and water quality, habitat preservation for native species, and proactive responses to climate challenges such as carbon storage and erosion control.

Summary

HCR40 is a resolution urging the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and other state agencies to collaborate with community groups in co-stewarding community forests located on public lands in Hawaii. This initiative aligns with the proclamation by Governor Josh Green, declaring 2025 the Year of Our Community Forests, emphasizing the importance of sustainable forestry for community health and environmental preservation. The resolution underscores that community forests are essential spaces where residents engage in various activities and interact with nature.

Contention

While HCR40 emphasizes collaboration and community involvement, potential points of contention may arise over resource allocation and differing priorities between state agencies and community groups. Stakeholders may have varying perspectives on how to best manage these public lands, balancing ecological preservation with economic development opportunities such as ecotourism and forestry jobs. Furthermore, integrating traditional and customary Native Hawaiian practices into modern stewardship efforts may present challenges in aligning diverse community interests and ensuring equitable representation in the decision-making process.