HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.R. NO.

145

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 
   


HOUSE RESOLUTION

 

Supporting efforts by the ko'olau greenbelt and heritage trails system to provide a holistic approach to watershed protection for the entire ko'olau system and to facilitate partnerships to determine the future of windward oahu's natural and human resources.

 

 

WHEREAS, Hawaii's unique environment and natural resources are tightly interwoven with its culture and heritage, and help fulfill the spiritual, recreational, and economic needs of Hawaii's residents; and

WHEREAS, the Ko'olau mountain range not only represents a culturally significant landmark, but also contains critical habitats for almost 100 native plants and animals and essential watershed lands that help preserve our supply of clean water; and

WHEREAS, there is a need to:

(1) Protect the Ko'olau watersheds and endangered species; and

(2) Educate visitors and residents on the unique cultural and historical significance of the Ko'olau and surrounding areas;

and

WHEREAS, community-based initiatives have already been planned and implemented, including start-up grants provided by the City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Environmental Protection Agency, and private sector sources to plan for recreational and cultural activities in the makai areas of Windward Oahu and along the makai and mauka trails that will offer specific types of activities such as hiking, fishing, and paddling, and including hiking trails using traditional ahupua'a trail sites; and

WHEREAS, the Windward Ahupua'a Alliance (Alliance), a private nonprofit organization, has taken the lead in planning and implementing educational and stewardship activities with monthly programs designed to promote community involvement in the long-term planning process; and

WHEREAS, over the next three years, there will be a mix of educational opportunities provided by the Alliance, including:

(1) The Windward Watersheds Symposia;

(2) Field trips and site visits to different areas to analyze economic activities and their impact on the windward watersheds; and

(3) Community stewardship projects that will have strong educational and cultural components;

and

WHEREAS, these projects and activities are components of the Ko'olau Greenbelt and Heritage Trails System (System) which is dedicated to preserving and restoring, through public-private partnerships and community input, the Ko'olau mountain range, including its watersheds; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2003, that this body supports the efforts by the System to provide a holistic approach to watershed protection for the entire Ko'olau system and to facilitate partnerships to determine the future of Windward Oahu's natural and human resources; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this body supports efforts by the System to integrate traditional ahupua'a land management systems used by the kanaka maoli with 21st century scientific techniques to provide a sustainable approach to land management that relies on community input and decision-making; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this body supports efforts by the System to develop life-long formal and informal education, community-based stewardship projects, and recreational and cultural activities for particular areas within 36 ahupua'a in the moku of Ko'olau Loa and Ko'olau Poko; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, Director of Land and Natural Resources, and Director of Agriculture.

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Ko`olau Greenbelt and Heritage trails system