THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2064
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to koa trees.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that property owners who demonstrate a knowledge of forestry, native ecosystems, and responsible land stewardship practices deserve the right to plant and harvest koa trees at their own discretion, and regardless of whether their property is on land leased by the department of land and natural resources or the department of agriculture. The legislature further finds that to ensure and protect these rights regarding koa tree planting and harvesting, a specified license to do so is the most effective way to ensure and protect the rights of property owners and lessees to plant and harvest koa trees.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to authorize the board of land and natural resources to issue licenses to applicants desiring to plant, care for, and harvest koa trees in certain circumstances.

SECTION 2. Chapter 183, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§183-   Licenses; koa tree planting and harvesting. (a) The board shall, as part of its management plan required under section 183-16.5, identify all private and public lands that are suitable for the planting and harvesting of koa trees.

(b) The administrator appointed by the board under section 183-3, shall be authorized to issue a license to an applicant desiring to plant, care for, and harvest koa trees on the applicant's private property or leased public land if, upon application in the form prescribed by the department:

(1) The prospective lands upon which the koa trees are to be planted have been determined suitable by the board pursuant to subsection (a);

(2) The applicant pays all appropriate fees; and

(3) The applicant complies with all rules adopted by the board pursuant to chapter 91 to carry out this section.

(c) Licenses issued under this section to lessees of lands owned by the department or the department of agriculture shall be entitled to plant, care for, and harvest koa trees at the lessee's discretion."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Department of Land and Natural Resources; Division of Forestry and Wildlife; Koa Trees; License to Plant and Harvest

Description:

Requires the Board of Land and Natural Resources to identify all private and public lands suitable for the planting of koa trees. Authorizes the Administrator of Forestry and Wildlife to issue licenses to plant, care for, and harvest koa trees in certain circumstances.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.