S.C.R. No. 62 Summary

• Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to update facts and statistics relating to palila population decline on Mauna Kea and conduct further investigations into the causes of decline.

• Department must submit annual reports with updated facts, statistics, and investigation findings to the legislature at least twenty days before each regular legislative session, beginning with the 2021 session.

• Palila population has declined from approximately 6,000 birds in 1980 to about 1,000 on Mauna Kea, despite removal of 22,000 sheep and recovery of the māmane forest that the birds depend on for food.

• Between 1979 and 1986, federal courts ordered eradication of sheep and goats from Palila Critical Habitat (6,000-10,000 feet elevation on Mauna Kea) due to damage to the māmane forest ecosystem.

• A certified copy of the resolution must be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources.