Recognizing 2026 As The International Year Of Rangelands And Pastoralists In Hawaii.
Impact
By proclaiming 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, HR31 hopes to elevate awareness of the importance of rangelands both locally and globally. The resolution encourages state agencies and educational institutions to engage in programs that promote sustainable rangeland management, reflecting a commitment to supporting the ranching community, which contributes significantly to Hawaii's economy. This initiative aligns Hawaii with international efforts to appreciate and preserve rangelands worldwide.
Summary
House Resolution 31 (HR31) recognizes the year 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in Hawaii. This resolution highlights the ecological, economic, and cultural significance of rangelands, which constitute over 25% of Hawaii's land mass, providing crucial services such as food production, water resources, and biodiversity. The bill emphasizes the role of pastoralists, including ranchers and nomads, in sustaining these environments and acknowledges their traditional stewardship over rangelands that spans millennia.
Contention
While HR31 is primarily a recognition of the values associated with rangelands and pastoralism, it may invoke discussions regarding land use policies and the balance between agricultural development and conservation. Stakeholders might debate the extent to which state resources should be allocated to support ranchers, potentially impacting conservation efforts or land management strategies. Opponents may voice concerns about prioritizing agricultural interests over ecological preservation in certain contexts, advocating for a more integrated approach to land management.
Additional_notes
The resolution also calls for collaborative efforts among various agencies and educational institutions to implement research and outreach programs aimed at sustainable rangeland practices. This comprehensive approach seeks to ensure that the cultural heritage and economic viability of ranching in Hawaii are not only recognized but actively supported in the coming years.
Encouraging The Kawaihuelani Center For Hawaiian Language Of The University Of Hawaii At Manoa To Further Provide Learning Resources And Opportunities That Promote Hawaiian Language And Culture.
Congratulating The 2024 Hawaii Principal Of The Year, 2024 National Outstanding Assistant Principal, 2024 Hawaii Assistant Principal Of The Year, 2024 Masayuki Tokioka Excellence In School Leadership Awardee, And 2025 Hawaii School Counselor Of The Year.
Reaffirming The State's Obligation To Uphold The Constitutional Rights Of Its People By Recognizing The Critical Role Of Freshwater In Maintaining Healthy Nearshore Marine Ecosystems.
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.
Encouraging The Kawaihuelani Center For Hawaiian Language Of The University Of Hawaii At Manoa To Further Provide Learning Resources And Opportunities That Promote Hawaiian Language And Culture.
Urging The State, Counties, And Other Relevant Agencies To Provide Increased And Sustained Funding To The Invasive Species Committees And Hawaii Ant Lab Within The Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit Of The University Of Hawaii At Mnoa.
Reaffirming The State's Obligation To Uphold The Constitutional Rights Of Its People By Recognizing The Critical Role Of Freshwater In Maintaining Healthy Nearshore Marine Ecosystems.
Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Examine And Consider The Transfer Of Native Hawaiian Burial Site Management Under Chapter 6e, Hawaii Revised Statutes, From The State Historic Preservation Division To The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.
Urging The State To Consider The Importance Of Rangelands And Pastoralists And Adopt Policies That Further Sustain Rangeland Health And Pastoralist Livelihoods.