HI HR55

Requests the Board of Land and Natural Resources, in consultation with the Legislative Reference Bureau, to develop proposed legislation protecting and restoring iliahi (Hawaii's endemic sandalwood tree).

Directs the Board to consider prior proposed legislation, testimony, and reports when developing its recommendations.

Requires the Board to submit a report with findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation no later than twenty days before the 2016 Regular Session convenes.

Requires the Board to explain why the Department of Land and Natural Resources did not respond to previous requests to study sandalwood protection in House Resolution No. 147 (2014) and Senate Resolution No. 93 (2013).

Notes that sandalwood is now nearly extinct due to historical exploitation and lacks regulatory oversight on private lands, and emphasizes Hawaii's opportunity to demonstrate conservation efforts during the 2016 World Conservation Congress in Honolulu.