HI SCR55

Urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources to adopt administrative rules under Hawaii Revised Statutes chapter 91 to streamline the permitting process for traditional Hawaiian farming systems on conservation lands

Recognizes that traditional Hawaiian farming systems like loko i'a (fishponds), māla (cultivated gardens), and lo'i (irrigated patches) are innovative agricultural technologies that promote food security, crop diversity, and self-sufficiency

Acknowledges that native Hawaiians have constitutionally protected rights under articles XI and XII of the Hawaii State Constitution to preserve resources and practice traditional and customary rights

Requires petitioners seeking to use conservation lands for agriculture or aquaculture to either be a generational and traditional kupa'āina of the parcel or consult with native people of the specific ahupua'a to ensure crop compatibility with the local ecosystem

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