HI HB1765

Establishes a native sandalwood use and conservation task force within the Department of Land and Natural Resources to investigate sustainable management and regulated harvesting of native sandalwood species.

Task force shall be chaired by the chairperson of the board of land and natural resources and include representatives from state agencies, counties, industry groups, academic experts in forestry and botany, and native Hawaiian cultural practitioners.

Task force shall investigate conservation methods, sustainable management and reforestation efforts, permitting requirements for commercial and noncommercial harvesting with forest management plans, and prohibition of exports of native Hawaiian sandalwood seed banks.

Task force shall submit an interim report to the legislature by twenty days prior to the 2015 regular session and a final report with findings and proposed legislation by twenty days prior to the 2016 regular session.

Task force dissolves on June 30, 2016; appropriation of unspecified amount from general revenues provided for operational and administrative expenses; effective July 1, 2014.