I am writing to express strong support for Bill 56, which would extend agricultural water rate eligibility to include conservation uses, such as the planting of native trees and habitat restoration.

This bill reflects a much-needed recognition that environmental stewardship is as vital to our island’s future as food production — and in some cases, more viable.

While Maui County’s current property tax incentives for agriculture are intended to encourage land productivity, the reality is that many of the agriculture plans submitted to qualify for these tax breaks never materialize.

Crops often prove unprofitable, and landowners lack the sustained commitment or resources to keep operations viable. The result is fallow fields, invasive species, and missed opportunities to support our environment.

In contrast, native trees, many of which are drought-resistant and well adapted to our upland and leeward landscapes, can thrive with minimal ongoing intervention. Once established, they regenerate naturally, improve watershed health, sequester carbon, reduce erosion and restore native biodiversity. Even when allowed to “go wild,” they provide lasting value to the ʻāina and community.

If we are truly serious about sustainability and resilience, we must expand the definition of agricultural value to include conservation.

I encourage our county to not only pass Bill 56, but also to create a parallel path for property tax incentives for genuine conservation efforts, particularly those focused on restoring native ecosystems.

Our future depends on thoughtful land stewardship. Let’s align our policies with what actually works on the ground and what our land truly needs.

Edward Baldwin

Olinda