The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has transferred 34 leases and revocable permits on Hawai‘i Island to the Department of Agriculture (DOA). This move continues the implementation of Act 90, a legislative measure passed in 2003. The act is designed to "ensure the long-term productive use of public lands available to be leased by the DLNR for agricultural purposes by allowing those lands to be transferred to and managed by DOA."
Under Act 90, both the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) and the Board of Agriculture must agree on which parcels are suitable for transfer from DLNR to DOA. Dawn Chang, Chair of DLNR, remarked on this collaborative effort: “We have appreciated the collaborative process of Act 90 to ensure that there is a balanced approach between supporting sustainable ag and protection and preservation of important public lands for forestry management, watershed protection, recreational trail access, and hunting.”
In previous years, DLNR has set aside around 24,528 acres through executive orders for DOA. Last year saw an additional approval for transferring 24,767 acres in Kau under lease and revocable permit to Kapapala Ranch. However, surveys and subdivision are required before an executive order can finalize this transfer. Furthermore, late last year saw approval from the Board of Agriculture for another 21,672 acres.
To date, over 70,000 acres have been either transferred or approved for transfer under Act 90. In this latest transaction, most land is designated as pastureland with two parcels identified for intensive agriculture. Volcano Island Honey Co. will receive five acres under a revocable permit for an apiary. Parker Ranch receives the largest parcel at approximately 4,529 acres.
The Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) within DLNR notes that it needs to establish access over nine more leases before they can be transferred. Coordination with DOFAW regarding access points is necessary before staff recommendations can proceed to BLNR.
Feedback was requested from various governmental agencies concerning these land transfers; however, no objections or responses were recorded. Should any land no longer serve agricultural purposes in future evaluations, set-asides may be canceled or amended appropriately with lands returning back into DLNR's inventory.