HI SR93

Request the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources to convene a task force after the October 2012 International Sandalwood Symposium to examine state regulation of Hawaiian sandalwood harvesting.

Task force membership includes 16 members or designees representing state agencies, the University of Hawaii, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, US Fish and Wildlife Service, county governments, industry associations, and sandalwood experts including Dr. Randall S. Senock.

Task force shall examine conservation of Hawaiian sandalwood including sustainable management, reforestation incentives, and commercial operation support.

Task force shall develop recommendations on permitting requirements for commercial and noncommercial sandalwood harvesting, sustainable forest management plans, and prohibition of native Hawaiian seed bank exports.

Task force shall conduct a statewide inventory of sandalwood and report findings and recommendations to the Legislature by twenty days prior to the 2013 Regular Session.