THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2336
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to trees.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that trees are essential for improving soil health and building climate resiliency. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and supply oxygen, lower air temperatures, provide shade and shelter, stabilize soil, prevent soil erosion, support the capture and conservation of the State's water supply, help remediate pollutants, and cut down on noise pollution by acting as sound barriers.

The legislature further finds that the standards and best practices of the tree care industry not only reflect the knowledge of specialists in the field and the latest in research findings, but also raise the level of professionalism and public confidence in the field of tree care. All professional individuals who plant, prune, transplant, fertilize, monitor and treat for insects and diseases, and remove trees and other woody plants, have an obligation to perform work that meets these industry standards and best practices. The legislature notes that the State has a duty to care for all trees on public lands, including forests and urban lands.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require any State department, office, agency, or political subdivision that manages trees to ensure that all arborists or other professionals in its employ or under contract who manage trees or lands that will impact public trees to adhere to best management practices.

SECTION 2. Any State department, office, agency, or political subdivision that manages trees shall require and enforce all arborists and other professionals managing trees or lands that will impact public trees in its employ, including contractors, to adhere to best management practices in tree management and arboriculture-related care.

For the purposes of this section, "best management practices" means the American National Standards Institute A300 Tree Care standards and associated best management practices.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Trees; Public Lands; Arborists; Professionals; Contractors; Best Management Practices

Description:

Requires the State or political subdivision to ensure and enforce that all arborists and other professionals managing trees or lands that will impact public trees in its employ, including contractors, adhere to best management practices.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.