Bill Text: HI HB2276 | 2022 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Relating To Invasive Species.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 13-0)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2022-03-24 - Report adopted; Passed Second Reading and referred to WAM. [HB2276 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2022-HB2276-Introduced.html
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2276 |
|
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022 |
|
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that albizia trees are an invasive species that present a threat to life, property, public roads, and utility infrastructure in Hawaii. The legislature also finds that albizia trees are more likely than many other species of trees of comparable size to fall or break in windy, rainy, and stormy weather conditions.
In natural disaster situations, such as the one created by tropical storm Iselle when it struck the Puna district on the island of Hawaii in 2020, and the Kona storms in 2021, fallen or broken albizia trees may threaten public safety by blocking evacuation routes, damaging homes, downing utility lines, or impeding access to emergency care facilities, schools, and polling places. Furthermore, the speed and manner in which albizia trees grow inhibit the growth and prosperity of native plants. As such, the legislature finds that removal of albizia trees along public roadways and the rights of way for public utilities is in the public interest.
The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for the removal of albizia trees on public and private property, including other trees that potentially threaten public roadways and utility infrastructure rights of way on public and private land; provided that the funds are matched on a two-to-one basis from a public utilities source.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2022-2023 for the department of transportation to coordinate the removal of albizia trees on public and private property, including other trees that potentially threaten public roadways and utility infrastructure rights of way on public and private land; provided that no funds shall be made available under this Act unless matched on the basis of two dollars from public utility sources for each dollar from the State.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2022.
|
INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
Report Title:
Invasive Species; Albizia Trees; Removal; Department of Transportation; Public Utilities; Appropriation
Description:
Appropriates funds to the department of transportation for the coordinated removal of albizia trees on public and private property, including other trees that potentially threaten the public roadways and utility infrastructure. Requires a two-to-one matching requirement from a public utilities source.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
