HR 181 Summary

• Urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Department of Agriculture (DOA), and Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc. to establish a State Pasture and Forest Lands Task Force to address competing demands for managing 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 mutually agreed stakeholders.

• Task force shall meet at least monthly to identify public benefits of pasture lands, discuss alternative management approaches, resolve differences, and develop policy solutions regarding lease appraisals, extensions, new leases, and natural resource protection.

• Requires annual reports to the Legislature beginning with the 2021 regular session, no later than twenty days before each session convenes, including findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation.

• Addresses historical concerns about forest degradation from cattle ranching and the need to balance local food production with environmental protection and watershed conservation in light of climate change.