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HCR 166

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO IDENTIFY STATE LANDS IN EAST OAHU SUITABLE FOR THE PLANTING OF NATIVE HAWAIIAN TREES.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Gedeon

HCR 166 requests Hawaii's DLNR to identify state lands in East Oahu suitable for native Hawaiian tree planting projects.

Referred to WAL, FIN, referral sheet 19
#departmentoflandandnaturalresources #eastoahu #nativetrees
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Bill Summary · HCR 166

Legislative bill overview

HCR 166 is a concurrent resolution requesting that Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) conduct an assessment to identify state-owned lands in East Oahu that would be suitable for native Hawaiian tree planting initiatives. The bill does not mandate action or allocate funding, but rather urges the agency to perform this planning and identification work.

Why is this important

Native Hawaiian forest restoration addresses environmental degradation, supports biodiversity conservation, and can have cultural significance for Native Hawaiian communities. Identifying suitable state lands for this purpose could enable future reforestation projects, though success depends on subsequent funding and implementation decisions.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: While the resolution doesn't appropriate funds, actual tree planting and long-term maintenance could require significant budgetary resources that may not be available or prioritized
  • Land use competition: State lands in East Oahu may have competing uses (development, agriculture, recreation), creating potential conflicts over which parcels should be designated for reforestation
  • Feasibility concerns: Some identified lands may face practical obstacles such as invasive species, soil degradation, or water availability that could make native tree planting difficult or unsuccessful without substantial remediation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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