STAND.
COM. REP. NO. 1261
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2021
RE: H.R. No. 56
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.R. No. 56 entitled:
"HOUSE 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:
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.R. No. 56 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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