STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3574

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.C.R. No. 243

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 243 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ENGAGING, ENDORSING, ACCEPTING, AND ADOPTING THE NEW YORK DECLARATION ON FORESTS TO ACHIEVE THE UNITED NATIONS PARIS AGREEMENT AND THE 2030 AGENDA FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT; SPECIFICALLY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL 15, LIFE ON LAND,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to engage, endorse, accept, and adopt the New York Declaration on Forests to achieve the United Nations Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Climate Protectors Hawai‘i, 350Hawaii.org, Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, and one individual. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from two individuals.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii is often recognized as a global leader in sustainability and climate change adaptation. Hawaii's forests are particularly important to the State's sustainability goals and leadership in climate change adaptation. In addition to their importance to the State's sustainability goals and climate change adaptation, Hawaii's forests significantly improve the quality of life for residents and visitors. This measure engages, endorses, accepts, and adopts the New York Declaration on Forests to support the State's efforts regarding the United Nations Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, specifically Sustainable Development Goal 15, Life on Land.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 243 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment,

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MIKE GABBARD, Chair