HI HCR152

Urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture to reevaluate their inventory of lands for potential taro-growing uses.

Directs both departments to develop more affordable and reasonable lease rent rates for taro farming, citing current rates ranging from $30 to $2,000 per acre annually that make lands unaffordable for farmers.

Calls for establishing accessible qualification criteria for taro farmers, particularly to accommodate those from farming families without specific educational or financial requirements.

Requests both departments partner with the Taro Security and Purity Task Force to facilitate expansion of taro production and food self-sufficiency in Hawaii.

Recognizes kalo (taro) as culturally significant to Native Hawaiians and designates it as the state plant, with high lease costs preventing critical agricultural practices like fallowing that improve soil health.