HI HR169

Urges the State to prohibit introduction of biocontrol agents that might threaten economically important forage grass species used in Hawaii's beef cattle industry.

Recognizes Hawaii's beef cattle industry contributes over $48,000,000 annually to the state economy and that rangelands represent approximately 750,000 acres (20% of total state land).

Identifies livestock grazing as the single most important tool to manage forage grasses and reduce wildfire risk along the wildland urban interface.

Requests the State implement a holistic approach to wildfire risk that prioritizes fuel reduction through grazing, fire buffers, mechanical controls, and landscape-level strategies while considering economic and ecological impacts.

Urges the State to provide funding and directives to state agencies to incentivize livestock grazing for vegetation management on undermanaged state and private lands.