REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO TRANSFER ACTIVE AGRICULTURAL LAND LEASES UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO SUPPORT AGRICULTURE IN THE STATE.

This Senate Resolution (SR 118) requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to transfer specific active agricultural land leases - identified by Tax Map Keys (3) 4-1-6:7, (3) 2-6-18:1, (3) 4-3-1:2, and (2) 1-8-1:3 - from DLNR to the Department of Agriculture (DOA). The resolution aims to support Hawaii's agricultural sector by placing these lands under DOA's management, as authorized under Act 90 (2003), to ensure continued stewardship of rangelands used for beef cattle production. These parcels are managed by ranchers who provide ecosystem benefits like soil stabilization, weed suppression, and water infiltration while contributing to the state's economy ($48 million annually from cattle industry). The transfer would help maintain active agricultural use of these lands, preventing unmanaged rangelands prone to invasive weeds and fire hazards.