Bill > HR35

This resolution urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and other state agencies to collaborate with community groups in co-managing community forests on public lands, building upon Governor Josh Green's proclamation of 2025 as the Year of Our Community Forests. The resolution highlights the multifaceted benefits of community forests, including health advantages like stress reduction and disease prevention, environmental benefits such as clean air and water, native species habitats, and carbon storage, and economic benefits like increased property values and support for local jobs in arboriculture and ecotourism. Recognizing that the state manages over 700,000 acres of forest reserve lands and other public lands with trees, the resolution emphasizes the importance of sustainable forest stewardship, particularly in supporting traditional Native Hawaiian practices and maintaining a collaborative relationship between state agencies and local communities. The ultimate goal is to improve the state's forests and communities through active co-stewardship, acknowledging that effective forest management requires significant dedication, expertise, and community investment.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HR&billnumber=35&year=2025