STAND.
COM. REP. NO. 1262
Honolulu, Hawaii
,
2021
RE: H.C.R. No. 68
Honorable Scott K. Saiki
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-First State Legislature
Regular Session of 2021
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on
Education, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 68 entitled:
"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO CREATE A LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN WITH GOALS TO
INCREASE TREE CANOPIES ON PUBLIC SCHOOL GROUNDS, DOCUMENT EXISTING INVENTORY
AND TALENT, AND IDENTIFY ADDITIONAL RESOURCES REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT AND SUSTAIN
THE PLAN,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The
purpose of this measure is to request the Department of Education to create a
landscape management plan with goals to increase tree canopies on public school
grounds, document existing inventory and talent, and identify additional
resources required to implement and sustain the plan.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure
from Trees for Honolulu's Future, Blue Zones Project, and three individuals.
Your
Committee finds that the average temperature in Hawaii has increased over two
degrees since 1950. This increase in the
temperature on hot days makes it difficult for students to learn at
school. Your Committee further finds
that school grounds enhance student learning and success, as they offer a venue
for play, outdoor learning, and social gatherings. On very hot days, these activities become
uncomfortable and even unsafe. Your
Committee notes that trees lower temperatures through shade, transpiration, and
reduction of the heat island effect.
Your Committee believes that a landscape management plan will help set
and meet statewide timelines and deliverables to increase the tree canopy on
school grounds statewide.
As affirmed by the
record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached
to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R.
No. 68 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.
Respectfully
submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education,
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JUSTIN H. WOODSON, Chair
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