S.B. 2665 - Protection of Taro

• Establishes a new "fourth class" land classification for taro lands on undeveloped public lands in conservation districts that were used for wetland taro cultivation prior to statehood or retain historic structural evidence such as irrigation ditches, terraces, or walls.

• Prohibits district boundary amendments on public lands classified as fourth class taro lands, preventing conversion out of conservation district status.

• Permits retention, restoration, and rehabilitation of walls, terraces, and supporting structures for loi (wetland taro fields) in the agricultural district for lands in use for wetland taro cultivation.

• Prohibits the Board of Land and Natural Resources from acquiring or disturbing existing ancient taro-growing systems, ancient wetland taro lands, or their structural elements on undeveloped lands currently in use for wetland taro cultivation.

• Adds growth and perpetuation of traditional Hawaiian crops as a state planning objective and authorizes the Land Use Commission and Taro Security and Purity Task Force to create an inventory of taro lands; effective July 1, 2050.