S.C.R. NO. 178 Summary

• Urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources to adopt administrative rules streamlining the permitting process for traditional Hawaiian farming systems on conservation lands.

• References Act 31 (2015) which established agricultural objectives promoting traditional Hawaiian farming systems, traditional Hawaiian crops, and small-scale farms.

• Identifies traditional Hawaiian farming systems including loko i'a (fishponds), māla (cultivated gardens), and lo'i (irrigated patches) as critical for food security, crop diversity, and self-sufficiency.

• Notes that traditional Hawaiian crops such as kalo, 'uala (sweet potato), limu (seaweed), 'awa, hō'i'o (native fern), and 'olena (turmeric) remain important for food, medicine, and cultural practices.

• Directs certified copies be sent to the Governor, Board of Land and Natural Resources, Attorney General, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and Environmental Council.