STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3883

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.C.R. No. 103

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, 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 and intent 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 Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute and one individual.

Your Committee finds that urban shade trees are a proven, cost-effective way to address increasing extreme weather events such as heat waves and heavy rainstorms. Coordinated statewide efforts are essential to reduce stormwater runoff, reduce energy costs, enhance biodiversity, and encourage outdoor physical activity. This measure recognizes that trees are a vital component of urban infrastructure and aims to support projects and programs to reduce urban heat, protect public health, and build climate resilience for all residents in the State.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment 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 Agriculture and Environment,

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MIKE GABBARD, Chair