STAND. COM. REP. NO. 561

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: H.B. No. 1278

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Transportation and Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 1278 entitled:

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

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Establish green infrastructure objective 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 Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Painting Industry of Hawaii Labor Management Cooperation Trust Fund; Hawaii Tapers Market Recovery Trust Fund; Hawaii Glaziers, Architectural Metal Glassworkers Local Union 1889 AFL-CIO Stabilization Trust Fund; Carpet, Linoleum and Soft Tile Local Union 1926 Market Recovery Trust Fund; International Union of Painters and Allied Trades; Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i; Climate Protectors Hawai‘i; Outdoor Circle; Kauai Climate Action Coalition; and seven individuals. Your Committees received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual. Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and Office of Planning & Sustainable Development.

Your Committees find 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. Your Committees further find that studies have determined that people who live in areas that have more trees and green space are less likely to develop acute respiratory symptoms and die of heart disease or respiratory disease. Your Committees also find that Hawaii is world-renowned for its lush vegetation and citizens and tourists actively seek out green spaces. Therefore, increasing the number of parks and green spaces in the State will increase the quality of life of residents and visitors.

Your Committees have amended this measure by:

(1) Further clarifying that the standards for tree care may include best practice standards appropriate for Hawaii;

(2) Moving the definition of "green infrastructure" to section 264-141, Hawaii Revised Statutes, for clarity and consistency;

(3) Adding a representative from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs on the Green Transportation Infrastructure Task Force;

(4) Dissolving the task force on June 30, 2025, rather than June 30, 2024, for clarity and consistency;

(5) Changing the effective date to June 30, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

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

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Transportation and Energy & Environmental Protection that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1278, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1278, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Transportation and Energy & Environmental Protection,

____________________________ NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair

____________________________ CHRIS TODD, Chair