URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES AND OTHER STATE AGENCIES TO WORK WITH COMMITTED COMMUNITY GROUPS TO CO-STEWARD COMMUNITY FORESTS LOCATED ON PUBLIC LANDS FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THE STATE'S FORESTS AND COMMUNITIES.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 174) urges Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources and other state agencies to partner with community groups for the joint management ("co-stewardship") of community forests on public lands. It directly affects state agencies and local community organizations working with public forest lands, such as those in state parks, school campuses, or transit corridors. The key mechanism is formalizing collaborative relationships to improve forest health and community benefits, leveraging existing community knowledge and investment. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but encourages existing agencies to prioritize partnership with committed community groups. It is framed around supporting community forests' health, environmental, economic, and cultural benefits as outlined in the resolution's preamble.