Environment (Conservation)

This Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Board of Land and Natural Resources to exempt agricultural enterprises that practice diversified farming on former sugarcane lands within the Conservation District from needing permits or sight plan approvals. The bill targets farmers and ranchers who want to use these specific lands for growing multiple types of crops, which currently faces a lengthy permitting process that can take up to 180 days. By removing the permit requirement for these specific agricultural activities, the resolution aims to reduce administrative delays and encourage the reuse of former plantation lands. The request is directed at state agencies to implement this exemption, though it does not change existing laws or create new regulations.

This Senate Resolution asks the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Board of Land and Natural Resources to exempt agricultural businesses that practice diversified farming on former sugarcane lands within the Conservation District from needing permits or sight plan approvals. The bill aims to reduce regulatory burdens and processing delays that currently discourage farmers from using these lands for local food production. If adopted, the exemption would allow eligible agricultural enterprises to operate without undergoing the standard permitting process that can take up to 180 days to complete. The resolution does not change existing laws but requests an administrative adjustment to support food system resilience and land reuse goals.

Directs the Department of Land and Natural Resources to adopt rules lifting the moratorium on fishing in the Lapakahi Marine Life Conservation District.

Exempts any agricultural enterprise practicing diversified agriculture on lands formerly used for commercial sugarcane production within the conservation district from any permitting and site plan approval requirements established for lands in a conservation district.

Exempts any agricultural enterprise practicing diversified agriculture on lands formerly used for commercial sugarcane production within the conservation district from any permitting and site plan approval requirements established for lands in a conservation district. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)