Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Transfer Active Agricultural Land Leases Under The Jurisdiction Of The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To The Department Of Agriculture To Support Agriculture In The State.
The transfer of these land leases is proposed during a critical time when the DLNR indicates it does not intend to renew certain agricultural leases. The targeted land parcels, which include those utilized for beef cattle ranching, are vital not only for agricultural production but also for maintaining ecosystem services such as soil stabilization, carbon sequestration, and controlling noxious weeds. By ensuring that these lands remain actively managed, the resolution hopes to continue supporting agricultural practices that reduce environmental degradation and enhance food security across the state.
Senate Resolution 118 requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to transfer active agricultural land leases to the Department of Agriculture (DOA) in Hawaii. The initiative aims to support and enhance agriculture in the state, particularly emphasizing the importance of beef cattle production, which significantly contributes to the state’s economy. This resolution is aligned with Act 90 enacted in 2003, which was designed to facilitate the productive use of public lands for agricultural purposes by enabling the DOA to manage these lands upon mutual agreement with the DLNR.
While the resolution has strong support from agricultural stakeholders who appreciate the long-term vision for sustainable farming practices, there may be concerns regarding how the transfer will affect existing land use and management policies. The resolution invites scrutiny over the prioritization of beef cattle production in an agricultural landscape that may also encompass diverse farming practices. Addressing the balance between traditional farming methods and modern agricultural needs will be crucial as discussions progress. It remains to be seen how these changes will be implemented and how they will influence other stakeholders in the agricultural community.