HI SR77

Requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources to defer lease payments on pasture leases for two years to provide relief to cattle ranchers facing drought conditions.

Addresses severe drought conditions on the islands of Hawaii and Maui that have persisted since at least August 2013, with extreme drought (D3 category) remaining over portions of both islands as of January 2014.

Identifies that drought-related lack of forage has forced ranchers to reduce livestock and fall into arrears on lease payments to the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Requires transmittal of a certified copy of the resolution to the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources.