Committee advances resolution urging support for rangelands and pastoralists

The Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems on April 17 voted to adopt SCR 120, a resolution urging the state to consider the importance of rangelands and pastoralists and to adopt policies that sustain rangeland health and livelihoods.

Maya Hunter of the Maui County Department of Agriculture testified in support, asking the committee to recognize that rangelands deliver essential environmental, community and aesthetic benefits. Nicole Galassi of the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council told the committee she was conducting a rainfall‑simulator demonstration for middle‑school students and described how ‘‘well‑managed grazing lands’’ improve water infiltration and nearly eliminate runoff compared with overgrazed areas.

Committee staff summarized testimony as 13 in support, zero in opposition and zero with comments for SCR 120. In the decision‑making session the committee moved SCR 120 forward as recommended and the committee’s recommendation to pass unamended was adopted; the transcript records several members casting 'I' (yes) votes and notes two excused representatives.

The adopted resolution is advisory in nature and urges the state to support ranchers and pastoralists whose stewardship contributes to open space, natural resources and local agriculture.