HI HR9

Urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources to collaborate with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to implement a native plant seeding project in Mililani Mauka to restore areas damaged by November 2023 wildfires.

November 2023 wildfires burned 2.5 square miles in Mililani Mauka, including the Oahu Forest National Wildlife Refuge and Koolau Mountains, which contained native koa forests and habitat for 22 federally endangered or threatened species.

Identifies non-native grasses and shrubs as highly flammable and capable of quickly recolonizing burned lands, while native plants are drought-tolerant and help prevent future wildfires.

Requires certified copies of the resolution to be transmitted to the Fish and Wildlife Service Pacific Islands office, the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and relevant Division Administrators.