SB2742 SD1

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that urban temperatures are expected to rise significantly, particularly due to the loss of shade and increase in concrete in urban areas, such as highways. The difference in temperatures on an urban street having trees and cooling strategies versus one not having trees and cooling strategies can be as much as fifteen to twenty degrees on a hot day. During hot summers, extreme heat can lead to death and contribute to the loss of economic activity. The proliferation of hardening structures and concrete throughout Hawaii also impacts the visitor experience, which has been noted by foreign visitor bureaus. Studies have also found that residents' stress levels and quality of life are also impacted in urban areas, and that green, cool urban environments can help to reduce stress and improve mental and physical health. The legislature believes that efforts to mitigate the effects of increasing temperatures necessitates urgent action.

The legislature notes that the cost of maintaining greener highway corridors is estimated to be $60,000 per mile. The legislature also notes that new temperature mitigation techniques and strategies used around the world have shown that this cost can be reduced, with minimal or no regular maintenance required, by using appropriate plant species. The legislature also believes that making the State's highway corridors greener now will help to reduce the potential financial burden placed on taxpayers in the future.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish:

(1) Three highway corridors pilot projects to improve the State's freeway corridors with greenery; and

(2) A working group to develop projects and define best practices to achieve temperature reduction, carbon capture, habitat restoration; improve mental health, and beautification of commuter corridors; and minimize maintenance of those projects and practices over time.

SECTION 2. (a) There is established within the department of transportation the greener highway corridors pilot project for the interstate H-1 freeway, to be administered by a representative of the department of transportation having expertise in arboriculture, who shall be selected by the director of transportation.

(b) The purpose of the pilot project shall be to:

(1) Conduct arboriculture projects in areas surrounding the interstate H-1 freeway where there is limited space for trees;

(2) Reduce urban temperatures, sequester carbon emissions, reduce noise in areas surrounding the interstate H-1 freeway; and

(3) Improve the visual appearance of the interstate H-1 freeway.

(c) The department of transportation shall select one or more portions of the interstate H-1 freeway corridor located between Middle Street and Kapahulu Avenue in which to plant vegetation for the pilot project.

(d) The department of transportation shall submit a report on the status of the pilot project to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session, and a final report no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of .

(e) The pilot project shall be dissolved on June 30, .

SECTION 3. (a) There is established within the department of transportation the forest restoration pilot project for the interstate H-2 freeway to be administered by a representative of the department of transportation having expertise in arboriculture, who shall be selected by the director of transportation.

(b) The purpose of the pilot project shall be to:

(1) Plant vegetation and conduct reforestation projects where there is space;

(2) Reduce urban temperatures, sequester carbon emissions, reduce noise in areas surrounding the interstate H-2 freeway; and

(3) Improve the visual appearance of the interstate H-2 freeway.

(c) The department of transportation shall submit a report on the status of the pilot project to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session, and a final report no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of .

(d) The pilot project shall be dissolved on June 30, .

SECTION 4. (a) There is established within the department of transportation the greener highway corridors pilot project for the interstate H-201 freeway to be administered by a representative of the department of transportation having expertise in arboriculture, who shall be selected by the director of transportation.

(b) The purpose of the pilot project shall be to:

(1) Conduct arboriculture projects in areas surrounding the interstate H-201 freeway where there is space;

(2) Reduce urban temperatures, sequester carbon emissions, reduce noise in areas surrounding the interstate H-201 freeway; and

(3) Improve the visual appearance of the interstate H-201 freeway.

(d) The pilot project shall be dissolved on June 30, .

SECTION 5. (a) There is established within the department of transportation for administrative purposes a working group.

(b) The working group shall consist of the following members or their designees:

(1) The director of department of transportation, who shall serve as chairperson;

(2) The chairperson of the department of land and natural resources; and

(3) A representative having expertise in arboriculture, who shall be selected by the chairperson.

(1) Develop projects and define best practices to achieve temperature reduction, carbon capture, and habitat restoration; improve the mental health and beautification of commuter corridors; and minimize maintenance of those projects and practices overtime; and

(2) Submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2025.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2742
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII