HCR 166

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.C.R. NO.
166
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII
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.
���� WHEREAS,
citizen participation is a fundamental principle of democracy, and a healthy
democracy depends upon the engagement of its people in civic life; and
���� WHEREAS,
legislators have a responsibility to listen to their constituents and remain
open to ideas that arise from the community, recognizing that meaningful
contributions to public policy can come from citizens of all ages; and
���� WHEREAS,
encouraging civic awareness and participation among young people strengthens
democratic institutions and inspires the next generation of public servants;
and
���� WHEREAS,
Shane Fung, a third-grade student at Hahaione Elementary School, who has taken
an interest in public service and government, recently shared an idea to plant
more native Hawaiian trees in the community; and
���� WHEREAS,
Shane suggested that increasing the presence of native trees could both
beautify public lands and help preserve Hawaii's natural and cultural heritage;
and
���� WHEREAS,
among the native trees suggested was the milo tree (Thespesia populnea), a
coastal tree long valued in Hawaiian culture; and
���� WHEREAS, the
milo tree holds historical and cultural significance in Hawaii, having been
used traditionally for ʻumeke,
plates, and other implements due to its attractive wood and durability; and
���� WHEREAS, milo
trees were historically planted around places of importance, and historical
accounts note that King Kamehameha I had his residence in Waikiki surrounded by
milo trees; and
���� WHEREAS, the
milo tree was once considered sacred, and its use was restricted in certain
contexts, with some traditions indicating that the tree and its wood were
reserved for aliʻi
and not permitted to be used by commoners; and
���� WHEREAS,
planting additional milo trees and other native Hawaiian species can help
restore native landscapes, support coastal ecosystems, and preserve cultural
connections to the land; and
���� WHEREAS, East
Oahu contains areas of state-owned land that may provide opportunities for
planting native trees that would benefit both the environment and the
community; now, therefore,
���� BE IT
RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the
State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, the Senate concurring, that the
Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to identify suitable
state lands in East Oahu for the planting of native Hawaiian trees, including
the milo tree; and
���� BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that in identifying such lands, the Department is encouraged to
consider opportunities that may involve schools, community groups, and youth
participants, in order to foster civic engagement and environmental
stewardship; and
���� BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the Department is requested to report its findings and
recommendations, including potential locations and implementation
considerations, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the
convening of the Regular Session of 2027; and
���� BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to
the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and principal of
Hahaione Elementary School.
Report Title:�
Native
Trees; East Oahu; Department of Land and Natural Resources