Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR174

Introduced
3/7/25  

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 resolution emphasizes the numerous health, environmental, and economic benefits provided by trees and community forests. These include improved air and water quality, reduced pollution, increased property values, and support for jobs in arboriculture, forestry, and ecotourism. By fostering a cooperative stewardship model, the bill highlights the essential role that community engagement plays in the sustainability of Hawaii's natural resources.

Summary

SCR174 urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and other state agencies to collaborate with committed community groups in the stewardship of community forests located on public lands. This resolution is significant as 2025 has been designated the Year of Our Community Forests by Governor Josh Green. The aim is to leverage the partnership between the state and local communities to enhance the management and conservation of Hawaii's forests for both ecological and societal benefits.

Contention

While the bill promotes communal involvement in forest management, there may be differing opinions on how this co-stewardship should be implemented. Some stakeholders may argue for more state control over forestry practices, while community advocates might push for greater autonomy and respect for traditional practices, especially those pertaining to Native Hawaiian cultural values. This underscores the need for careful dialogue between various groups to ensure that community needs and environmental goals are balanced.

Companion Bills

HI HCR40

Same As 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.

HI SR143

Same As 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.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR73

Requesting The Establishment Of A Stream Maintenance Working Group Within The Department Of Land And Natural Resources.

HI HCR43

Requesting The Department Of Agriculture To Develop A Strategic Plan To Strengthen Food Security For Low-income Communities And Communities Recovering From Natural Disasters In Hawaii.

HI HR32

Requesting The Department Of Agriculture To Develop A Strategic Plan To Strengthen Food Security For Low-income Communities And Communities Recovering From Natural Disasters In Hawaii.

HI SCR210

Requesting The Department Of Accounting And General Services And Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Work With The City And County Of Honolulu To Establish Community Gardens On Underutilized Public Land.

HI SCR170

Urging The Department Of Transportation To Establish A Working Group To Evaluate Options That Provide Additional Air Service To Remote And Underserved Communities Across The State.

HI SCR123

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene A Working Group To Make Recommendations On Solutions To Reduce Wildfire Risk And The Feasibility Of Establishing A Vegetation Management Program As It Relates To Landowners And Public Utilities.

HI SCR148

Urging The State Foundation On Culture And The Arts To Convene A Task Force To Develop Art, Branding, And Narratives For An Appropriate Selection Of Hawaii's Unique Communities, Landmarks, Parks, And Other Similar Areas.

HI SCR95

Urging The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Protect Hawaii's Waters And Resources By Prohibiting Seabed Mining.

HI SCR113

Urging The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Minimize Human Interaction At Certain Locations During Coral Spawning Events.

HI SCR216

Urging The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Require All Certified Arborists In Its Employ, Including Contractors, To Adhere To Industry Best Practices.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.