THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	92
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

Urging the Department of Transportation to IMPLEMENT xeriscaping to decorate roadways, MEDIAL STRIPS, roundabouts and other areas under its jurisdiction.

     WHEREAS, water is our most precious natural resource and cannot be considered limitless; and

     WHEREAS, the conservation of water is necessary not just in times of drought, but in anticipation of Hawaii's future population growth; and

     WHEREAS, the variety of vegetation found in Hawaii reflects the islands' wide range of microclimates from tropical forest to deserts; and

     WHEREAS, the goal of xeriscaping is to create a visually attractive landscape by using drought-tolerant plants and grasses in combination with irrigation techniques; and

     WHEREAS, xeriscaping is not to be confused with zero-scaping which uses mainly plants found in the desert such as juniper, cactus, or yucca; and

     WHEREAS, xeriscaping is considered more aesthetically pleasing; and

     WHEREAS, native Hawaiian flora such a Piligrass (heteropogon contortus), Sandalwood (santaum freycinetianum), and Dwarf Naupaka (scaevola coriacea) can be utilized for xeriscaping; and

     WHEREAS, a properly maintained xeriscape can easily use less than one-half the water of a traditional landscape; and

     WHEREAS, a xeriscaped area not only reduces the amount of water used compared to traditional landscapes, but also reduces the amount of maintenance needed for watering, fertilizing, mowing, trimming, and pruning; and

     WHEREAS, planted areas established by the Department of Transportation have failed to receive regular maintenance and after a few years become unsightly;

WHEREAS, xeriscaping is ideally suited for the needs of the Department of Transportation and would provide aesthetic, economic, and environmental benefits for the Department and the State; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2007, that the Department of Transportation is urged to implement xeriscaping to decorate roadways, medial strips, and roundabouts, and other areas under its jurisdiction; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Transportation is also urged to use suitable indigenous vegetation in future xeriscaping projects; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor and the Director of Transportation.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Xeriscaping; Department of Transportation