Bill Text: HI SB2059 | 2022 | Regular Session | Amended


Bill Title: Relating To State Symbols.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 6-0)

Status: (Passed) 2022-05-25 - Act 025, 05/24/2022 (Gov. Msg. No. 1125). [SB2059 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2022-SB2059-Amended.html

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2059

THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022

S.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

H.D. 2

 

C.D. 1

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO STATE SYMBOLS.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the ōhia lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) is a flowering evergreen tree that is an endemic plant species found only in the Hawaiian islands.  The legislature recognizes the unique cultural, ecological, and economic importance of the ōhia lehua and its threatened existence.  The legislature further finds that the ōhia lehua is one of the most referenced plants in Hawaiian moolelo (stories), oli (chants), mele (songs), and hula (dances).  Ōhia lehua blossoms are iconic, symbolizing Pele's fire, the blood of warfare, and the bounty of a generous chief.  The beautiful and brilliant flowers make prized lei and are featured in art and clothing designs.  The blossoms and foliage of the ōhia lehua were frequently used for medicinal purposes.  Historically, the wood of ōhia was preferred for papa kui ai (poi boards) and was used to make tools and weapons.  It is still regarded as a high-quality wood for construction and furniture.

     The legislature further finds that ōhia lehua is a keystone species of Hawaii's native forests.  It is the most common native tree in the Hawaiian islands.  Ōhia lehua is endemic to Hawaii's six largest islands and grows in a variety of environments, from sea level to over eight thousand feet in elevation, and in diverse ecosystems from bogs to deserts.  Its form ranges from short bushy shrubs to one-hundred-foot canopy trees.  Ōhia lehua trees are very efficient at capturing water from the air and rainfall and allowing fresh water to slowly seep into the ground to recharge the aquifers and ecosystems from the mountains to the sea.  Ōhia lehua forests are estimated to cover over eight hundred thousand acres statewide and are vital to protecting and conserving both Hawaii's watersheds and native species.

     Forests dominated by ōhia lehua are home to at least twenty-two extant species of forest birds, many of which rely on the abundant nectar of the lehua blossoms.  Its nectar is the food for many indigenous species, such as the federally endangered akohekohe (crested honeycreeper) and the ōpeapea (Hawaiian hoary bat), the State's only native land animal.  Many of Hawaii's remaining native plants and invertebrates also make their home in ōhia lehua forests.

     The legislature also finds that, while the ecological and cultural importance of the ōhia lehua is worthy of recognition and appreciation, the ōhia is under threat, including from diseases such as a fungal pathogen called rapid ōhia death.  Rapid ōhia death has already killed over one million ōhia trees on the island of Hawaii.  In recognition of the importance of protecting ōhia, new state and federal regulations have been adopted restricting the importation of close relatives of ōhia, plants in the myrtle family, to prevent new strains of ōhia diseases from entering Hawaii.  Climate change, other invasive species, and other environmental pressures will no doubt pose additional threats to ōhia lehua in the future.

     The purpose of this Act is to designate ōhia lehua as the state endemic tree to recognize its cultural and ecological importance and raise awareness of the critical threats the plant species is currently facing, with the hope that it will lead to effective conservation and growth of healthy ōhia forests across the Hawaiian islands.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§5-    State endemic tree.  Ōhia lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) is adopted, established, and designated as the official endemic tree of the State."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2022.


 


 

Report Title:

Ōhia Lehua; State Symbols; Endemic Tree

 

Description:

Designates the ōhia lehua as the state endemic tree.  Takes effect 7/1/2022.  (CD1)

 

 

 

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

feedback