STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1196-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: S.B. No. 2059

S.D. 1

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Culture, Arts, & International Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 2059, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO STATE SYMBOLS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to designate ‘ōhi‘a lehua as the state endemic tree.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death Statewide Outreach Coordinator, Wild Kids, Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, Hawaii Forest Industry Association, and numerous individuals.

Your Committee finds that ‘ōhi‘a lehua is a keystone species of Hawaii's native forests and is endemic to the State's six largest islands. ‘Ōhi‘a lehua grows in a variety of environments, and ‘ōhi‘a forests are estimated to cover over 800,000 acres statewide and are vital to protecting and conserving Hawaii's watersheds and native species. Your Committee further finds that ‘ōhi‘a lehua has a significant role in Native Hawaiian history and culture, represented in many chants, songs, and dances. The ‘ōhi‘a flowers make prized lei and are featured in art and clothing design, while the wood of the ‘ōhi‘a was historically used to make tools and weapons and is still regarded as a high-quality wood for construction and furniture. Your Committee finds it appropriate to recognize the importance of the ‘ōhi‘a lehua to the State and to bring awareness to current threats to ‘ōhi‘a lehua by designating the ‘ōhi‘a lehua as the state endemic tree.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the effective date to July 1, 2044, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Culture, Arts, & International Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2059, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2059, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Culture, Arts, & International Affairs,

____________________________

CEDRIC ASUEGA GATES, Chair