STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2752

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 3002

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 3002 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HAWAII STATE PLANNING ACT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to improve the quality of life of the State's residents and visitors by increasing the number of parks and green spaces in the City of Honolulu's urban core.

More specifically, this measure:

(1) Establishes objectives, policies, and priority guidelines in the Hawaii State Planning Act to promote the use of green infrastructure, vegetation, and trees in state facility systems, infrastructure, and transit projects; and

(2) Requires the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to make recommendations for implementing the newly established objectives, policies, and priority guidelines.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Division of Forestry and Wildlife of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, and Trees for Honolulu's Future.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development.

Your Committee recognizes that studies have found a positive correlation between exposure to green spaces and vegetation and significant improvements to a person's mental and physical health. In addition, green vegetation and trees help mitigate the effects of climate change. Incorporating the use of green infrastructure, vegetation, and trees into the State's planning objectives, policies, and goals will help ensure a healthier environment and better quality of life for the State's residents and visitors.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3002 and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair