STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3255

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 2650

H.D. 2

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Transportation and Culture and the Arts and Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred H.B. No. 2650, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Appropriate funds to the Department of Transportation for the coordinated removal of albizia and other invasive trees; and

(2) Require matching funds from public utilities.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Big Island Invasive Species Committee, Hawaiian Electric, Hawaiʻi Forest Industry Association, and three individuals.

Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Public Utilities Commission.

Your Committees find that albizia and other invasive trees pose a significant threat to natural areas, neighborhoods, and infrastructure because of the large, brittle limbs that are prone to breaking and falling in windy, rainy, or stormy weather conditions. Fallen or broken albizia trees can threaten public safety by blocking evacuation routes; damaging homes; downing utility lines; or impeding access to emergency care facilities, schools, and polling places. Your Committees find it necessary to enhance public safety by supporting vegetation management to reduce threats to utility infrastructure and public roadways.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Transportation and Culture and the Arts and Agriculture and Environment that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2650, H.D. 2, and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committees on Ways and Means and Commerce and Consumer Protection.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Transportation and Culture and the Arts and Agriculture and Environment,

________________________________ MIKE GABBARD, Chair

________________________________ CHRIS LEE, Chair