STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1860-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.C.R. No. 166

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Water & Land, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 166 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO IDENTIFY STATE LANDS IN EAST OAHU SUITABLE FOR THE PLANTING OF NATIVE HAWAIIAN TREES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Department of Land and Natural Resources to identify suitable state lands in East Oahu for the planting of native Hawaiian trees, including the milo tree.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Aloha Tree Alliance; and six individuals.

Your Committee finds that increasing the presence of native trees could beautify public lands and help preserve Hawaii's natural and cultural heritage. Your Committee further finds that the milo tree is a coastal tree long valued in Native Hawaiian culture. Your Committee also finds that planting additional milo trees and other native Hawaiian species can help restore native landscapes, support coastal ecosystems, and preserve cultural connections to the land.

Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 166, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as H.C.R. No. 166, H.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water & Land,

____________________________

MARK J. HASHEM, Chair