HI HR281

Request that the Department of Land and Natural Resources implement 'Aha Moku Councils as recommended by the 'Aha Kiole Advisory Committee to advise the State on Hawaiian resource management practices.

'Aha Moku Councils would be based on Hawaii's traditional moku (regional) land division system and derived from indigenous resource management practices that respect natural land contours and specific resources.

Each 'Aha Moku Council would operate as part of its respective county municipality and consult with the county on traditional natural resource and land management issues within county jurisdiction.

Department of Land and Natural Resources should develop a process to acknowledge and recognize established 'Aha Moku Councils from each moku but should not be responsible for their organization or oversight.

Certified copies to be transmitted to the Governor, county mayors, the 'Aha Kiole Advisory Committee Chairperson, and relevant legislative committee chairs.