The Forest Stewardship program works with landowners to protect forest resources. A statutory tax incentive enables any person to turn over management of forest or water reserve lands to the state in exchange for relief from all property taxes. Exotic Species Hawaii has some strong statutes to control the introduction and spread of exotic species. The Department of Agriculture regulates animal and plant exotic species, requiring a permit for the importation of any species. Furthermore, the release of any exotic species into island waters is prohibited without a permit.
Violations constitute a petty misdemeanor.
A list of allowed exotic species is promulgated by regulation. Deliberate introductions of aquatic life or wildlife by the Department of Land and Natural Resources are also restricted, and require a thorough evaluation process before the introduction can occur. Predator or Animal Damage Control Activities Hawaii has an animal damage control program that is operated primarily by the federal government, with the state having primarily a financial role. The state constitution requires the protection of the state's natural resources, providing that all public natural resources are held in trust by the state for the benefit of the people. Related Issues Hawaii participates in Project WILD and is expected to publish a wildlife viewing guide in 1997.