HR143 HD1

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	143
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO ASSESS ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSERVATION INITIATIVES NEEDED TO TRANSITION VOLCANO, HAWAII, INTO A BIOSPHERE AREA THAT PROMOTES ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND COMMUNITY WELL-BEING AND COMPLEMENTS THE NEIGHBORING HAWAIIAN ISLANDS BIOSPHERE RESERVE.

WHEREAS, the Hawaiian Islands Biosphere Reserve was a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) biosphere reserve that was comprised of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Haleakala National Park; and

WHEREAS, UNESCO biosphere reserves are recognized for their commitment to balancing human activity with environmental conservation and sustainable development; and

WHEREAS, to become a UNESCO biosphere reserve, an area must be nominated by its national government and meet certain criteria related to conservation, sustainable development, and scientific research; and

WHEREAS, although Hawaii Volcanoes National Park met these high environmental and conservation standards, the greater Volcano, Hawaii, area suffers from many issues that threaten its environment and natural resources; and

WHEREAS, Volcano, Hawaii, has been subject to invasive plant species, Rapid Ohia Death, ungulates, declining native plant populations, and forest loss and degradation; and

WHEREAS, Volcano, Hawaii, should adopt similar environmental and conservation initiatives as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to convene a working group to assess environmental and conservation initiatives needed to transition Volcano, Hawaii, into a biosphere area that promotes environmental sustainability and community well-being and complements the neighboring Hawaiian Islands Biosphere Reserve; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group is requested to consist of the following individuals:

(1) The State Representative from House District 5, who shall serve as Chair of the working group; and

(2) A representative from the Volcano Community Association, to be invited by the Chair of the working group; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group is requested to:

(1) Conduct a literature review that assesses existing reports and studies that provide insight into the environment, natural resources, and socioeconomic conditions of Volcano, Hawaii;

(2) Develop best practices for native ohia forest stewardship that inform sustainable development, land use, green infrastructure development, and water resource management;

(3) Develop a community engagement strategy that increases education and awareness of environmental issues in Volcano, Hawaii;

(4) Develop a monitoring and evaluation system that tracks the progress of environmental and conservation initiatives in Volcano, Hawaii; and

(5) Identify potential buffer zones and conservation easements for activities that support ohia forest preservation and sustainable development; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group is requested to determine the scope of the actions and initiatives to be conducted in the biosphere area; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group is requested to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature and the Hawaii County Council no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2026; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to provide any necessary administrative support to the working group, including the preparation and drafting of the report; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group shall cease to exist on June 30, 2026; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the President of the Volcano Community Association Board of Directors.