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Proposal protects Hawaii's sandalwood trees

By Associated Press

POSTED:
LAST UPDATED: 07:24 a.m. HST, Feb 28, 2012



 

Some species of sandalwood are found only in Hawaii.

Unless steps are taken to protect them, these trees could disappear.

Sandalwood’s sweet smell has led to high international demand for its wood. Its commercial value has led to diminished native forests, as has the introduction of invasive species, says the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.

A state Senate Committee on Tuesday will consider a bill that would ban unlicensed destruction and harvesting of sandalwood trees. It would also ban the export of raw and unprocessed sandalwood timber.

Violations would be punishable by fines up to $2,000.

In cases where harvesting is permitted, the measure calls for replanting when trees are removed.

In addition, the proposal includes incentives for entrepreneurs to cultivate sandalwood for conservation and commercial purposes.






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Carang_da_buggahz wrote:
"...up to $2,000"? Is this all that we think our native sandalwood is worth? What an insult! This is mere pocket change and minimizes the deterrence of illegal logging. Look if you're going to go through the effort of passing this bill, why not create it with penalties that REALLY mean something? As it stands, this so-called "penalty" will be regarded as nothing more than the "cost of doing business."
on February 28,2012 | 09:11AM
CloudForest wrote:
Mr. Buggahz, with this bill your auntie Tutu will be forever a criminal everytime she picks maile, hapu or buys anything made from Koa - $2,000 amd a year in prison.
on February 29,2012 | 02:38AM
CloudForest wrote:
Read the bill !!! It is outrageous !! This is way more than about sandalwood, if you pick maile without a permit - $2,000 per strand and 1 year in prison !! Hapu for your orchids? - GO TO JAIL !! This is so poorly written it makes ALL PROPERTIES IN THE STATE Conservation Zoned !!! Kill this bill and start with something that is way less draconian. WORST WRITTEN BILL EVER !!!
on February 29,2012 | 02:36AM
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