STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1852-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.C.R. No. 141

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. 141 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE COUNTY OF MAUI TO ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS OF THE FIRE CODE OF THE COUNTY OF MAUI RELATING TO FIRE HAZARDS, BRUSH CLEARANCE, FUEL BREAKS, ROADSIDE VEGETATION CLEARING, AND EMERGENCY ACCESS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the County of Maui to actively enforce subsection 10.13.2 of the Fire Code of the County of Maui, including the provisions relating to fire hazards, brush clearance, fuel breaks, roadside vegetation clearing, and emergency access.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from two individuals.

Your Committee finds that in December 2024, the County of Maui adopted substantial amendments to its Fire Code. Your Committee further finds that prompt and effective enforcement of the provisions of the Maui County Fire Code that relate to exterior vegetation, fuel break, and emergency access is necessary to reduce fire risk, protect temporary and permanent housing, preserve access for evacuation and emergency response, and ensure that large property owners do not shift avoidable wildfire risk onto surrounding communities.

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. 141 and recommends its adoption.

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

____________________________

MARK J. HASHEM, Chair