Bill Text: HI SB591 | 2016 | Regular Session | Introduced

Hawaii Senate Bill 591 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Invasive Species; Albizia Trees; Appropriation ($)

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2016-01-21 - Re-Referred to EET/WLA, WAM. [SB591 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2016-SB591-Introduced.html

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	591
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to the environment.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that albizia, Falcataria moluccana, is an invasive species that presents an increasingly costly threat to the economy, critical infrastructure, and public safety on Hawaii island. The pre-planned removal of each albizia tree costs significantly less than the combined direct and indirect costs of removal if and when it falls into a road, power line, or building. The likelihood of albizia trees falling and the long distances between residential areas and emergency services add significantly to the uncertainty of emergency response capability, resulting in the potential loss of property and human life following a hurricane. Such circumstances were evident in 2014 following tropical storm Iselle. Despite the storm never reaching hurricane strength, falling albizia trees caused a majority of the damage to power lines and property on Hawaii island.

The legislature further finds that the Hawaii invasive species council and the Big Island Invasive Species Committee, a voluntary partnership of private citizens, community organizations, businesses, land owners, and government agencies, have demonstrated the effectiveness and necessity of a coordinated approach to controlling the growth and spread of albizia trees. Their work has led to a coordinated management plan and the development of a list of priority projects, including the removal of hazardous albizia trees from high priority roads and transmission lines, chemical control of all non-hazardous trees adjacent to where hazardous albizia trees have been removed, and community outreach. The priority projects identified are based on the number of residents served, availability of alternate access routes, and the long-term, most cost-effective approach to mitigating albizia impacts.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for the Hawaii invasive species council to coordinate the management and removal of albizia trees that threaten access to critical emergency services and transportation routes.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $2,100,000 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 the Hawaii invasive species council to coordinate the management and removal of albizia trees that threaten access to critical emergency services and transportation routes.

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

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2015.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Invasive Species; Albizia Trees; Appropriation

Description:

Makes an appropriation to the Hawaii invasive species council for the coordinated management of albizia trees on Hawaii island and throughout the State.

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