HB1765 HD1.DOC

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the decline in the number and distribution of native sandalwood tree species in Hawaii is a cause of concern for forestry management and conservation purposes. Historically, losses of these trees has been caused by non-native mammals and insects, fire, and diseases that limit regeneration and growth of existing trees. The legislature finds that while protection of native sandalwood species is afforded on state lands and under the rules governing conservation districts, there is no regulation or oversight on the harvest, sale, or destruction of native sandalwood species on privately owned or managed lands, including those within conservation districts.

The legislature further finds that the commercial harvesting of native sandalwood could be a promising new industry in the State and has the potential to provide new jobs and increase exports. However, conservation of the State's native sandalwood species is critical to maintaining biodiversity within forest ecosystems, providing habitat for mammals and birds, and protecting watershed areas. Therefore, the legislature finds that it is essential to investigate methods for the sustainable management of sandalwood resources and the regulation of sandalwood harvesting that balance the important interests of promoting economic development and conserving the State's fragile and irreplaceable natural environment. Finally, the legislature finds that a successful system of regulating the harvesting of native sandalwood species must consider input from experts in relevant scientific fields, foresters, government agencies, landowners, and other stakeholders.

SECTION 2. (a) There is established in the department of land and natural resources for administrative purposes, the native sandalwood use and conservation task force for the purpose of investigating methods for sustainable management of sandalwood resources and regulation of sandalwood harvesting.

(b) The chairperson of the board of land and natural resources or the chairperson's designee shall serve as chair of the task force. The task force shall include:

(1) The administrator of the division of forestry and wildlife, or the administrator's designee;

(2) The executive director of the agribusiness development corporation, or the executive director's designee;

(3) The chairperson of the board of agriculture, or the chairperson's designee;

(4) A representative of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service;

(5) A representative of the agency charged with research and development of each of the counties;

(6) A representative of the planning department of each county;

(7) A representative of the Hawaii forest industry association;

(8) A representative of the Hawaii cattlemen's council;

(9) A representative of the united Chinese society of Hawaii;

(10) A representative of the international sandalwood foundation;

(11) Representatives of the State's agro-forestry and commercial forestry industry;

(12) At least one representative of small landowners or lessees who engage in the sustainable forestry of sandalwood on areas of one hundred acres or less;

(13) Trained experts from the academic or research fields of botany, forestry, ethno-botany, environmental science, biology, or related fields as the chairperson sees fit; and

(14) An expert in native Hawaiian traditional and cultural practice as it relates to use of native sandalwood species or forestry management.

(1) Conservation of Hawaiian sandalwood, including but not limited to:

(A) Supporting the sustainable management and use of Hawaiian sandalwood resources throughout the State, including reforestation efforts;

(B) Providing incentives to local entrepreneurs to cultivate Hawaiian sandalwood species for reforestation programs or sustainable commercial operations; and

(C) Providing support for programs that ensure the sustainability of commercial operations for Hawaiian sandalwood resources in the State;

(2) Establishment of requirements for a permitting process for the commercial and noncommercial harvesting of Hawaiian sandalwood, including a sustainable forest management plan; and

(3) Prohibition of the export of native Hawaiian sandalwood seed banks.

(d) The task force shall submit an interim report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2015, and shall submit a final report to the legislature on its findings and recommendation, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2016.

(e) No member of the task force shall be made subject to chapter 84, Hawaii Revised Statutes, solely because of the member's participation on the task force.

(f) The task force shall be dissolved on June 30, 2016.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014-2015 for the operational and administrative expenses of the native sandalwood use and conservation task force.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2014.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1765
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII