Bill Text: HI HB1769 | 2014 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Invasive Species; Appropriation; Albizia ($)
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2014-02-04 - Re-referred to WAL, FIN, referral sheet 15 [HB1769 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2014-HB1769-Amended.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1769 |
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TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO MANAGE ALBIZIA TREES ON THE ISLAND OF HAWAII.
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 an increasingly costly threat to the economy, critical infrastructure, and public safety on the island of Hawaii. These trees proliferate in many areas of the State, but are an especially worrisome hazard in East Hawaii, where they grow in areas critical to public safety, including along tsunami evacuation routes and near the region's only critical care hospital. Further, albizia trees are more likely than many species of comparable size to fall or break in windy or rainy conditions. In a natural disaster situation, such as a tsunami or hurricane, fallen albizia trees could put lives at risk by blocking evacuation routes or impeding access to emergency care facilities. The legislature finds that the location and density of albizia trees in East Hawaii, along with their propensity to fall or break in inclement conditions make albizia trees a significant threat to the public safety.
Through a recent demonstration program, the Big Island invasive species committee demonstrated the effectiveness and necessity of a coordinated approach to controlling the growth and spread of albizia trees. It is the intent of the legislature that the department of land and natural resources continue these efforts and, in partnership with the state department of defense, act to secure additional resources for albizia tree removal to mitigate the public safety hazard caused by the presence of these trees along tsunami evacuation routes on Hawaii island.
The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of land and natural resources for the control of albizia trees along tsunami evacuation routes on the island of Hawaii.
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 2014-2015 for the immediate, coordinated management of albizia trees that threaten access to and safe passage along tsunami evacuation routes on the island of Hawaii.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. The department of land and natural resources and the Hawaii department of defense shall work in partnership to secure additional funding and resources for albizia tree removal to mitigate the public safety hazard caused by the presence of these trees along tsunami evacuation routes on Hawaii island in accordance with the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2020.
Report Title:
Invasive Species; Appropriation; Albizia
Description:
Makes an appropriation to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for the management of albizia trees along tsunami evacuation routes on Hawaii Island. Directs the Department to work with the state Department of Defense to secure additional resources. Effective July 1, 2020. (HB1769 HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
