§4503b Hawaii Experimental Tropical Forest

Summary

If the Governor asks, the Secretary must create and run a Hawaii Experimental Tropical Forest in the State. The forest must show how to manage tropical forests so harvesting can be done sustainably while protecting nature. It must also be a place for research on tropical forestry and conservation biology, and a center for demonstrations, education, training, and outreach. Forest means the Hawaii Experimental Tropical Forest. Governor means the Governor of Hawaii. Lands means lands, waters, and interests in them. State means the State of Hawaii. The Governor and the Secretary will pick one or more suitable sites using scientific, ecological, administrative, and other needed factors, and they will map the forest boundaries. That map will be available for public inspection at the State’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife office and can be changed later by agreement. The Secretary will run the forest with the State, can make grants and contracts, use cooperative forestry and research authority, make or apply rules needed to manage and protect the forest and people in it, and may use the land-acquisition authority in section 1643. The State keeps its civil and criminal authority over people in the forest, except for penalties for offenses against the United States.