STAND. COM. REP. NO. 423

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2021

RE: H.B. No. 331

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 331, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE STATE PLAN,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Establish objectives, policies, and priority guidelines in the Hawaii State Planning Act to promote the use of green infrastructure, vegetation, and trees in state facility systems, infrastructure, and transit projects; and

(2) Require the Office of Planning, in partnership with the Greenhouse Gas Sequestration Task Force, to report to the Legislature with recommendations for implementing the green infrastructure objectives, policies, and priority guidelines.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Office of Planning, Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, 350Hawaii, Climate Protectors Coalition, Trees for Honolulu's Future, and five individuals.

Your Committee finds that sustainable design concepts for public infrastructure incorporate green vegetation and trees, which can produce significant improvements to mental health and have positive psychological and quality of life benefits in a community. This measure ensures the establishment of critical ecosystem services in the State and demonstrates the State's commitment toward a zero emissions clean economy by 2045.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 331, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,

____________________________

NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair