HB1029 - Forest Stewardship Program Summary

• Amends Hawaii's forest stewardship program to clarify that "privately managed forest" rather than just "privately owned" forest lands are eligible for assistance, broadening potential participation.

• Increases cost-share reimbursement rates from 50% to 75% for developing approved management plans and maintains 50% reimbursement for implementing management plans.

• Adds "non-native forest products" as an eligible management activity category and removes the January 1, 1991 date restriction that previously limited certain forest management activities.

• Establishes "program implementation agreements" as formal written forest stewardship management contracts between the state board and participating landowners, requiring 10-year commitments to approved management activities.

• Requires participating landowners to submit annual progress reports detailing accomplishments, technical needs, and proposed plan modifications, with the board conducting inspections and determining if management objectives are being met.