Bill Overview
Title: To require the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study on the establishment of, and the potential land that could be included in, a unit of the National Forest System in the State of Hawaii, and for other purposes.
Description: This bill directs the Forest Service to conduct a study to (1) determine the suitability and feasibility of establishing a unit of the National Forest System in the islands of Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Oahu, and Kauai in the state of Hawaii; and (2) identify available land within the study area that could be included in such unit.
Sponsors: Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1]
Target Audience
Population: Residents of Hawaii
Estimated Size: 1500000
- The bill addresses the establishment of a unit of the National Forest System specifically in the state of Hawaii.
- Residents of Hawaii are directly impacted as they live on the islands where the potential National Forest unit could be established.
- Local communities and possibly native groups in Hawaii may have interests or stake in land usage and conservation efforts.
- Environmental groups may have a vested interest in the establishment of National Forest lands in Hawaii.
- Individuals interested in ecotourism or forestry operations in Hawaii would be impacted by this study and potential follow-on legislation.
Reasoning
- The population directly influenced by this policy is primarily the residents of Hawaii, especially those on the islands mentioned in the bill.
- The impacts of such a policy would be varied; some residents might benefit from environmental protection and increased tourism, while others, especially those concerned about land rights, might worry about restrictions or changes in land use.
- Considering the budget constraints, which are modest relative to the average cost of land acquisitions or large-scale conservation projects, the immediate tangible impacts might be limited until further funding or phases beyond the initial study.
- Individuals outside of Hawaii, such as environmentalists or businesses interested in ecotourism and forestry, may have secondary interest in the outcomes of the policy.
Simulated Interviews
Real Estate Agent (Honolulu, Oahu)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think studying the feasibility of a National Forest here is a good idea, but I'm concerned about how it might impact property values or restrictions on land use.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Ecotourism Operator (Hilo, Hawaii)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could attract more nature lovers and increase my business, but it must balance tourism with genuine conservation efforts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 10 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Retired (Kapaa, Kauai)
Age: 58 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried about the potential impact on traditional land uses and local access if any new federal lands are established.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
College Student (Lahaina, Maui)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a future conservationist, I see great value in protecting our native ecosystems. A National Forest could be a step in the right direction.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Cultural Preservationist (Molokai)
Age: 34 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's important we protect our natural and cultural heritage, but any such project must include our voices and respect existing land rights.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Resort Manager (Lanai City, Lanai)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If responsibly managed, a National Forest could enhance our island's appeal to eco-tourists, benefiting businesses like ours.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Small Business Owner (Kailua, Oahu)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could boost local interest in outdoor activities and support businesses like mine, but I'm worried about possible restrictions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Local Activist (Lihue, Kauai)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm cautiously optimistic. A new National Forest might provide opportunities for conservation, but only if local needs are prioritized.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Freelance Writer (Wailuku, Maui)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm intrigued by the potential narratives around new conservation efforts, though wary of bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Tech Consultant (Pearl City, Oahu)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I love Hawaii's nature and support anything that preserves its beauty. A well-managed forest could be amazing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $750000 (Low: $500000, High: $1000000)
Year 2: $750000 (Low: $500000, High: $1000000)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The study is designed to evaluate feasibility and suitability, meaning its outcome could vary significantly based on the environmental findings.
- Implementation of a National Forest System unit could have future costs and benefits not covered by this initial study cost estimate.
- Local stakeholder engagement could influence the study's appropriateness and early success.