HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1136
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2021
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that invasive species are an immense threat to Hawaii's ecosystem. Invasive species cause not only ecological damage, but harm to the environment, economy, and human health. Hawaii's agriculture, tourism, fisheries, and other industries, as well as its native forests and water supply, suffer economic loss and deterioration due to the negative impacts of invasive species on the environment.

The legislature also finds that many invasive plants are extremely aggressive and out compete native plant species. Invasion of non-native tree species like the albizia, ironwood, and autograph trees have overtaken other native species in Hawaii's forests and landscape. Albizia, like many other invasive plant species, grows rapidly. Particularly during storms, these invasive trees negatively impact drainage facilities and waterways. Erosion caused by these trees also affects water quality and causes flooding.

The purpose of this Act is to require the department of land and natural resources, in conjunction with the counties, to develop an invasive species flood control plan to prevent, contain, and mitigate hazardous tree growth impacting streams and waterways.

SECTION 2. (a) The department of land and natural resources, in conjunction with the counties, shall develop an invasive species flood control plan to prevent, contain, and mitigate hazardous tree growth impacting streams and waterways.

(b) The plan shall include identifying:

(1) Ways to better coordinate efforts and make use of limited resources to prevent, contain, and mitigate hazardous tree growth impacting streams and waterways, including tree debris removal;

(2) High priority areas, objectives, and tasks to contain and clear hazardous tree growth;

(3) Ways to restore native species and habitat conditions in ecosystems that have been invaded; and

(4) Flood control and other safety measures to address the potential damage and damage caused to communities, particularly during storms, by hazardous tree growth impacting streams and waterways.

(c) The department of land and natural resources, in conjunction with the counties, shall submit the plan, including findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2022.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

DLNR; Counties; Invasive Species Flood Control Plan

Description:

Requires the department of land and natural resources, in conjunction with the counties, to develop an invasive species flood control plan to prevent, contain, and mitigate hazardous tree growth impacting streams and waterways. Requires submittal of the plan to the legislature prior to the 2022 regular session.

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