Bill Text: HI HB2639 | 2020 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Relating To Albizia Trees.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 9-1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2020-01-27 - Referred to LHE/EEP/EDB, FIN, referral sheet 5 [HB2639 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2020-HB2639-Introduced.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2639 |
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THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to albizia trees.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that albizia trees are an invasive species capable of damaging forests with native species through rapid growth and effects on the soil. Albizia trees are one of the fastest growing trees in the world, capable of growing up to fifteen feet per year. Once albizia trees have attained the height of the canopy, they expand their own canopy, blocking the sunlight and suppressing the growth of neighboring trees. Further, albizia trees, through leaf litter, provide a nitrogen boost to the soil that benefits weeds while simultaneously suppressing native species.
The legislature further finds that, contrary to traditional opinions on the utility of albizia wood, projects have demonstrated that albizia wood may be used in the construction of homes. Through innovative projects at the University of Hawaii, albizia wood is proving to be a viable building material.
The legislature further finds that with twenty thousand acres on Oahu and forty-three thousand acres on Hawaii island infested with albizia trees, the State must do more to curb the growth and expansion of the albizia tree population.
The purpose of this Act is to direct the University of Hawaii to conduct an economic analysis of a potential restoration pilot project to remove albizia trees from a certain area, plant native species to replace the removed albizia trees, and sell the albizia trees for lumber.
SECTION 2. (a) The economic research organization at the University of Hawaii shall conduct an economic analysis of a potential restoration pilot project in Manoa valley that would:
(1) Remove albizia trees over two hundred acres of Manoa valley;
(2) Plant native species to replace the removed albizia trees and restore the site; and
(3) Sell the removed albizia trees for use as lumber in local architecture and furniture.
(b) The economic research organization at the University of Hawaii shall collaborate with the Hawaii invasive species council and shall invite the Albizia Project to participate in the economic analysis.
(c) The economic analysis shall examine the economic costs and benefits of the potential restoration pilot project, including:
(1) Projected costs for removal of albizia trees;
(2) Projected costs of replanting with native species and site restoration; and
(3) The sum of projected monetized benefits, avoided damages, including but not limited to avoided damage to the watershed and any property or infrastructure within the project area, and revenue to be generated by albizia lumber sales.
The costs and benefits shall be aggregated over a twenty-five-year to fifty-year time horizon, as appropriately determined by the economic research organization at the University of Hawaii. The economic research organization at the University of Hawaii shall demonstrate net present value and benefit-cost ratios under various scenarios of discount rates and assumptions of relevant biological and economic parameters.
(d) The economic research organization at the University
of Hawaii shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including
any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to
the convening of the regular session of 2021.
SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2020-2021 for the economic research organization at the University of Hawaii to conduct the economic analysis as mandated by this Act.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2020.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
UH; UHERO; Albizia Trees; Restoration Pilot Project; Economic Analysis; Appropriation
Description:
Requires UHERO to conduct an economic analysis of a potential restoration pilot project in Manoa valley that removes albizia trees, plants native species, and sells the albizia tree lumber for use in local architecture and furniture. Requires a report before the regular session of 2021. Appropriates funds.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
