SB 1498 - Protection of Taro

• Establishes a new "fourth class" land classification for taro lands in the state conservation district, prohibiting district boundary amendments on these lands.

• Defines "taro lands" as undeveloped public lands with high productivity for wetland taro cultivation before statehood or lands retaining historic structural evidence of taro fields, including irrigation ditches, terraces, and walls.

• Prohibits the Board of Land and Natural Resources from disturbing, acquiring, or developing ancient taro-growing systems and wetland taro lands currently in use for taro cultivation.

• Permits retention, restoration, and improvement of walls, terraces, and supporting structures for loi taro fields within the agricultural district.

• Authorizes the Land Use Commission to create an inventory of taro lands in consultation with former members of the Taro Security and Purity Task Force; effective July 1, 2050.