THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	3020
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES.

 

 

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

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the albizia tree is an invasive species that can grow up to one hundred fifty feet tall.  The tree adapts to grow in nutrient-deficient soils, produces large quantities of wind-dispersed seeds, and grows at a very rapid rate, gaining up to fifteen feet in height each year.  It can very quickly disrupt and replace native ecosystems and can easily take over a cleared area in just a few years.  The tree is currently widespread on Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island, and is also established on Lanai.

     The legislature further finds that albizia trees have very brittle trunks and limbs that are structurally weak and are prone to "sudden limb shear," a phenomenon in which live branches collapse without warning or apparent cause.  These collapses can occur even if the tree appears to be healthy.  This phenomenon, combined with the tree's large size and fast growth, gives the tree the potential to cause major damage to property, infrastructure, and even human lives.  

     The dangers posed by albizia trees were made clear in August 2014, when strong winds from tropical storm Iselle toppled thousands of albizia trees in Puna, blocking roads and disrupting power lines.  This caused tens of thousands of people to be stranded in Puna for weeks without power and made it difficult for first responders to access people in need of emergency services.  Surveys found that much of the storm damage, which was estimated to cost between $148,000,000 and $325,00,000, could be attributed to albizia trees.

     The legislature finds that the State must make a long-term investment of resources now to prevent future natural disasters from being aggravated by albizia trees.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish a tree trimming division within the department of land and natural resources to address the dangers caused by trees such as albizia.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 171, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§171-     Tree trimming division; established.  There is established within the department a tree-trimming division, which shall be responsible for the removal, trimming, or management of trees, including albizia trees, that are located on department controlled lands and pose a threat to lives, property, or infrastructure."

     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 2022-2023 for the establishment of a tree trimming division within the department of land and natural resources, including the establishment of three full-time equivalent (3.0 FTE) positions; provided that the tree trimming division shall undertake as its first project the trimming of albizia trees within the Waiahole Valley community in the city and county of Honolulu.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2022.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

Report Title:

DLNR; Invasive Species; Albizia; Tree Trimming; Waiahole Valley; Appropriation

 

Description:

Establishes a tree trimming division within the Department of Land and Natural Resources, which shall be responsible for the removal, trimming, or management of trees, including albizia trees, that pose a threat to lives, property, or infrastructure.  Appropriates moneys and establishes 3.0 FTE positions for the establishment of the division.  Directs the division to undertake as its first project the trimming of albizia trees within Waiahole Valley in the City and County of Honolulu.

 

 

 

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