HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2650

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024

H.D. 2

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES.

 

 

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

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that albizia trees are an invasive species that continues to present a threat to life, property, public roads, and utility infrastructure in Hawaii.  The legislature also finds that albizia trees are more likely than many other species of trees of comparable size to fall or break in windy, rainy, or stormy weather conditions.

     In natural disaster situations such as the one created by tropical storm Iselle when it struck the Puna district on the island of Hawaii in 2020, and the Kona storms in 2021, fallen or broken albizia trees may threaten public safety by blocking evacuation routes; damaging homes; downing utility lines; or impeding access to emergency care facilities, schools, and polling places.  Furthermore, the speed and manner in which albizia trees grow inhibit the growth and health of native plants.  As such, the legislature finds that removal of albizia trees along public roadways and the rights of way for public utilities is in the public interest.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for the removal of albizia and other invasive trees that potentially threaten public roadways and utility infrastructure rights of way on public and private land; provided that the funds are matched by a public utility.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the department of transportation to coordinate the removal of albizia and other invasive trees that potentially threaten public roadways and utility infrastructure rights of way on public and private land; provided that no funds shall be made available under this Act unless a public utility provides matching funds.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  The appropriation made by this Act shall not lapse at the end of the fiscal biennium for which the appropriation is made; provided that all moneys from the appropriation unencumbered as of June 30, 2026, shall lapse as of that date.

     SECTION 4.  In accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Hawaii State Constitution and sections 37‑91 and 37‑93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriations contained in H.B. No.     , will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024‑2025 to be exceeded by $           or      per cent.  In addition, the appropriation contained in this Act will cause the general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024‑2025 to be further exceeded by $           or      per cent.  The combined total amount of general fund appropriations contained in only these two Acts will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024‑2025 to be exceeded by $           or      per cent.  The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that:

     (1)  The appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest; and

     (2)  The appropriation made in this Act meets the needs addressed by this Act.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

 


 

Report Title:

Department of Transportation; Public Utilities; Invasive Species; Albizia Trees; Removal; Appropriation; Expenditure Ceiling

 

Description:

Appropriates funds to the Department of Transportation for the coordinated removal of albizia and other invasive trees.  Requires matching funds from public utilities.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD2)

 

 

 

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