Report Title:

Appropriations; Hawaii Forestry and Community Initiative

Description:

Appropriates funds for the Hawaii Forestry and Community Initiative.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

156

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

Relating to the hawaii forestry and community initiative.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii's forests offer employment, recreation, and resources to Hawaii's residents and visitors. Water, wildlife, and wood are just a few of the economic and cultural products that may be found in a Hawaiian forest. The forests also represent an important part of Hawaii's cultural heritage and serve as a source of spiritual renewal for many.

The legislature further finds that Hawaii's forests are a valuable source of economic growth for the State. According to a 1991 survey, the State's forest industry generated over $29,000,000 in revenues and at least eight hundred jobs for Hawaii's residents.

The legislature notes that Hawaii has been the recipient of federal funds for the Hawaii forestry and community initiative for five years. These funds are used to promote responsible forestry and community involvement in the forestry industry, including demonstration projects, marketing, public awareness campaigns, symposia, information exchange, and forest inventories. Three federal agencies and eight state departments oversee this initiative.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to support the efforts of the Hawaii forestry and community initiative.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $200,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2003-2004 to support the operations of the Hawaii forestry and community initiative.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2003.

INTRODUCED BY:

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