Bill Text: HI HB440 | 2015 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Forest Conservation and Access; Appropriation ($)
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 14-0)
Status: (Enrolled - Dead) 2015-04-30 - Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday 05-01-15 3:30PM in conference room 224. [HB440 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2015-HB440-Amended.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
440 |
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TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
PART I
SECTION 1. The purpose of this Act is to provide funding for forest conservation and access to preserve Hawaii's uniqueness; improve the quality of life, health, and safety for Hawaii's residents and visitors; and maintain Hawaii's economy. Forest conservation and access are also critical for the sustenance of irreplaceable cultural and natural values.
Furthermore, these items directly address major threats due to climate change by increasing resilience to drought conditions, more frequent and more extreme natural disasters, and expanded ranges of invasive species.
PART II
SECTION 2. The legislature finds that climate change significantly threatens Hawaii's freshwater supplies. The islands have already experienced decades of reduced rainfall as well as changes in tradewind patterns and higher temperatures. As these trends accelerate, Hawaii's limited supplies of fresh water will be further taxed.
Through Act 152, Session Laws of Hawaii 2000, the legislature recognized that fresh water is not an infinite resource and its quality, quantity, and sustainability depend upon forested watersheds.
Protecting and restoring Hawaii's forests is critical for climate-change resiliency on many levels. In addition to increasing supplies of fresh water, forests also reduce stress on coral reefs and fisheries by preventing erosion. Moreover, these forests store carbon, significantly reducing Hawaii's carbon emissions. For these reasons, the Hawaii greenhouse gas emissions reduction task force strongly recommends opportunities for reforestation projects to meet the targets of the Hawaii clean energy initiative. The intergovernmental panel on climate change also identified preventing deforestation as the largest and most immediate impact on carbon stock in the short term.
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 2015-2016 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 for projects undertaken in accordance with watershed management plans.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.
PART III
SECTION 4. The legislature finds that additional resources are necessary for emergency response and preparedness for natural disasters. Events such as flooding, hurricanes, and wildfires are expected to increase in frequency and severity as climate change accelerates.
As invasive species spread, our islands also become increasingly vulnerable to natural disasters. Hurricane Iselle demonstrated the destructive qualities of invasive species such as albizia trees, which toppled during high winds. Wildfires have been intensified by fire-prone invasive species, such as fountain grass and other plants that increase fuel loads. Erosion caused by flooding has also greatly increased as native forests are replaced by shallow-rooted invasive plants or become barren areas.
The department of land and natural resources, division of forestry and wildlife, is responsible for wildfire preparedness and response as well as assisting federal, state, and county agencies during emergencies and natural disasters. Hawaii's responders need access to new technologies developed to increase efficiency and the effectiveness of detection and response to these types of natural disasters that affect natural environments as well as public safety.
SECTION 5. 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 2015-2016 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 for equipment for fire, natural disaster, and emergency response.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.
PART IV
SECTION 6. The legislature finds that Hawaii's residents and visitors need to enjoy and connect with the natural environment. Visiting natural areas cultivates respect and appreciation for Hawaii's natural and cultural heritage. First-hand experiences in nature teach youth and adults the importance of these natural resources so they can be appreciated and protected now and in the future.
Hiking, gathering, hunting, and other forms of outdoor recreation are beneficial for mental and physical health. In addition to providing a source of exercise, spending time in natural environments significantly reduces stress and depression, improves the ability to focus attention, strengthens the immune system, and increases longevity.
Outdoor recreation is also central to Hawaii's visitor industry. Hawaii's iconic trails and natural areas are a major attraction. A study in 1997 by Roumasset, et al., found that the Koolau mountains provide a present net value of $1,000,000,000 to $3,000,000,000 for ecotourism alone.
Trails, public access, and other infrastructure allow the people of Hawaii to experience the islands' natural environment. Statewide improvements are needed to address the deteriorating conditions of these trails, particularly high-use trails frequented by visitors. Furthermore, development, particularly in rural areas, can restrict access points for the public to hike, gather, and hunt in public lands. Funding is needed to improve the infrastructure and access necessary to connect people to the natural environment, which provides so many benefits to the health of Hawaii's people and economy.
SECTION 7. 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 2015-2016 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 for forest and outdoor recreation improvement.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.
PART V
SECTION 8. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2015.
Report Title:
Forest Conservation and Access; Appropriation
Description:
Appropriates funds to the department of land and natural resources for land and natural resource projects related to watershed management plans; equipment for fire, natural disaster, and emergency response; and forest and outdoor recreation improvement. (HB440 HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
