HI HCR155

Urges the Department of Agriculture to collaborate with the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to create economic development initiatives for Native Hawaiian plants and resources.

Notes that Hawaii has over 300 endangered plants and that native plants require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance than non-native species while supporting Hawaiian cultural knowledge.

Requests the Department of Agriculture submit a report to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2015 Regular Session on progress made in establishing these economic development initiatives.

Identifies state incentives for plant nurseries and agricultural organizations to grow and sell native plants as a strategy to diversify Hawaii's economy.