HCR 200 Summary

• Urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, and Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc. to form a State Pasture and Forest Lands Task Force to address competing demands for state pasture lands.

• Task force must include representatives from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, University of Hawaii colleges, Na Ala Hele Trails System, Hawaii Association of Watershed Partnerships, State Game Management Advisory Commission, Hawaii Forest Industry Association, Hawaii Greenhouse Gas Sequestration Task Force, and other agreed-upon stakeholders.

• Task force must meet at least monthly to identify public benefits of pasture lands, discuss alternative management plans, resolve differences, identify policy solutions regarding lease appraisals and extensions, and address related issues.

• Task force must submit annual reports with findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days before each regular session starting in 2021.

• Resolution addresses competing legislative proposals regarding transfer of agricultural ceded lands from DLNR to DOA and balances concerns about local food production with natural resource protection and forest restoration.