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.
This resolution signifies a broader commitment to sustainable forestry practices by acknowledging the multiple benefits provided by community forests, such as improved air quality, biodiversity, and access to natural resources. It outlines how community forests contribute to the health and economic vitality of Hawaiian communities. By leveraging local knowledge and involvement in forest management, the resolution aims to enhance both ecological and human health, stressing that trees and community forests offer substantial benefits including stress reduction and access to traditional food sources.
Senate Resolution 143, introduced in the Thirty-third Legislature of Hawaii in 2025, advocates for urgent collaboration between the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and committed community groups to steward community forests on public lands. This legislation comes in response to an increasing recognition of the pressing need to manage and enhance community forests for the well-being of both the environment and the residents of Hawaii. The resolution supports the notion that active co-stewardship between the state and its citizens is essential for preserving Hawaii's unique natural resources and ensuring their health for future generations.
While there is a broad consensus on the importance of community stewardship, supporters argue that the state must provide adequate resources and establish clear guidelines for how these partnerships will work in practice. This includes decisions on funding, training, and support for community-led initiatives. Some concerns may arise around the level of autonomy community groups will have, how these efforts will be coordinated with existing state regulations, and whether the initiative will adequately include voices from diverse community stakeholders, particularly those representing Native Hawaiian practices and perspectives.