STAND. COM. REP. NO. 225

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 965

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts, to which was referred S.B. No. 965 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO GREEN TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Establish green infrastructure objectives and policies for transportation systems, infrastructure, and projects; and

(2) Establish the Green Transportation Infrastructure Task Force to examine, evaluate, and develop policies for the design, implementation, and maintenance of green transportation infrastructure.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Department of Transportation; Trees for Honolulu's Future; Painting Industry of Hawaii Labor Management Cooperation Trust Fund; International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 50; The Outdoor Circle; and nine individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from seven individuals.

Your Committee finds that sustainable design concepts for public infrastructure incorporate green vegetation and trees to decrease urban temperatures, reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and capture water to replenish the water table. The effects of climate change have made the implementation of sustainable design concepts more critical. Studies have also determined that people who live in areas that have more trees and green space are less likely to develop chronic diseases such as acute respiratory symptoms and other heart and respiratory diseases. Additionally, mental health and quality of life improvements are two benefits from sustainable design concepts. To utilize the State's world-renowned green spaces, establishing objectives and policies for transportation, infrastructure, and projects that incorporate green transportation infrastructure may improve the quality of life for all residents.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Authorizing the Director of Transportation to grant exemptions to projects when safety is a concern or other considerations as necessary; and

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

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 965, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 965, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts,

________________________________

CHRIS LEE, Chair