STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1799-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.C.R. No. 103

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Water & Land, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 103 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION AFFIRMING SUPPORT FOR THE EXPANSION OF PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS THAT INCREASE TREE CANOPY COVERAGE AND INSTALL SHADE TREES IN URBAN AREAS TO MITIGATE THE EFFECTS OF URBAN HEAT ISLANDS ACROSS THE STATE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to affirm support for expanding programs and projects that increase tree-canopy coverage and install shade trees in urban areas to mitigate the effects of urban heat islands throughout the State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute; Healthy Eating, Active Living; Kaulunani Urban & Community Forestry Advisory Council; and one individual.

Your Committee finds that an urban heat island effect occurs when built environments with extensive pavement, rooftops, and other heat-absorbing materials experience significantly higher temperatures than surrounding areas. Your Committee further finds that the effects of urban heat islands are already being felt across the State, increasing heat exposure and the risk of heat-related illness among residents. Your Committee also finds that urban tree-canopy programs provide multiple co-benefits, including improved air quality, reduced stormwater runoff, lower energy costs, enhanced biodiversity, and better mental and physical health outcomes. Your Committee additionally finds that collaboration across state and county agencies is necessary to maximize the effectiveness and equitability of shade-tree and urban-canopy strategies across the State.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 103 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water & Land,

____________________________

MARK J. HASHEM, Chair