Bill Text: HI HB1637 | 2011 | Regular Session | Introduced

NOTE: There are more recent revisions of this legislation. Read Latest Draft
Bill Title: Kukui tree as state heritage tree; Ohia lehua as state native tree

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 6-0)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2011-03-11 - (S) Referred to WLH/HWN. [HB1637 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2011-HB1637-Introduced.html

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1637

TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to the state tree.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the state tree should be a reflection of our unique island home.  The ōhia lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) is the most common native tree in the Hawaiian islands and is found nowhere else in the world.

     The ōhia lehua grows at nearly all altitudes, from over six thousand feet in the mountains down to the sea.  Not only is ōhia lehua vital to Hawaii's watershed forests, its nectar is also the mainstay of our brilliant native honeycreepers.

     The ōhia lehua is the pioneer tree growing from new lava flows, beginning the cycle of life on previously barren ground.  It is the living symbol of major Hawaiian deities, including Pele, Laka, and Ku, and its wood is valued the world over for its beauty and strength.

     SECTION 2.  Section 5-8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "§5-8  State tree.  The [kukui tree, also known as the candlenut tree (Aleurites Moluccana),] ohia lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) is adopted, established, and designated as the official tree of the State, to be effective so long as the legislature of the State does not otherwise provide."

     SECTION 3.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 


 


 

Report Title:

Ōhia lehua; State Tree

 

Description:

Makes the ōhia lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) the official state tree.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

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