Bill Text: HI HB437 | 2015 | Regular Session | Amended

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Bill Title: Aloha+ Challenge; Natural Resource Goals; Appropriations ($)

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 12-0)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2015-03-13 - Re-Referred to WTL/ENE, WAM. [HB437 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2015-HB437-Amended.html

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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	437
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE NATURAL RESOURCE GOALS OF THE ALOHA+ CHALLENGE.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

 

PART I

SECTION 1.  Through S.C.R. No. 69, S.D. 1, in 2014, the legislature endorsed and supported the integrated approach and six ambitious targets of the Aloha+ Challenge:  A Culture of Sustainability -- He Nohona ‘Ae‘oia (Aloha+ Challenge) to be achieved by 2030, which was also accepted by the governor, mayors of all the counties, and chairperson of the board of trustees of the office of Hawaiian affairs.  Furthermore, Hawaii Green Growth--a voluntary partnership of state, county, federal, business, and nongovernmental leaders from many sectors, including clean energy, local food production, natural resource management, waste reduction, climate change mitigation and adaptation, planning, green jobs, and others--have supported this shared statewide commitment to sustainability.

The targets of the Aloha+ Challenge are based on current state priorities and policies, and include:

     (1)  Clean energy:  seventy per cent clean energy, including forty per cent from renewables and thirty per cent from efficiency;

     (2)  Local food:  At least double the local food production with a goal of twenty to thirty per cent of food consumed being grown locally;

     (3)  Natural resource management:  Reverse the trend of natural resource loss, mauka to makai, by increasing watershed protection, community-based and scientifically justified marine management, invasive species prevention and control, and restoration of native species;

     (4)  Waste reduction:  Reduce the solid waste stream prior to disposal by fifty per cent through source reduction, recycling, and bioconversion;

     (5)  Smart sustainable communities:  Increase livability and resilience in the built environment through planning and implementation at the state and county levels; and

     (6)  Green workforce:  Increase local green jobs and education to implement these targets.

The purpose of this Act is to provide funding to implement the natural resource management goal.  Funding these items is essential for the success of many of the other goals of the Aloha+ Challenge.  Furthermore, these items are essential to keep Hawaii unique; improve the quality of life, health, and safety for Hawaii's residents and visitors; and maintain Hawaii's economy.  These items are also critical for the sustenance of irreplaceable cultural and natural values.

Moreover, these items directly address major threats due to climate change by increasing resilience to drought conditions, more frequent and more extreme natural disasters, and expanded ranges of invasive species.

PART II

SECTION 2.  The legislature finds that climate change significantly threatens Hawaii's freshwater supplies.  The islands have already experienced decades of reduced rainfall as well as changes in tradewind patterns and higher temperatures.  As these trends accelerate, Hawaii's limited supplies of fresh water will be further taxed.

Through Act 152, Session Laws of Hawaii 2000, the legislature recognized that fresh water is not an infinite resource and its high quality, quantity, and sustainability depend upon forested watersheds.

Protecting and restoring Hawaii's forests will be critical for climate-change resiliency on many levels.  In addition to increasing freshwater supplies, these forests also reduce stress on coral reefs and fisheries by preventing erosion.  Furthermore, these forests store carbon, significantly reducing Hawaii's carbon emissions.  For these reasons, the Hawaii greenhouse gas emissions reduction task force strongly recommends opportunities for reforestation projects to meet the targets of the Hawaii clean energy initiative.  The intergovernmental panel on climate change also identified preventing deforestation as the largest and most immediate impact on carbon stock in the short term.

     SECTION 3.  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 2015-2016 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 for projects undertaken in accordance with watershed management plans.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

PART III

SECTION 4.  The legislature finds that the invasion of Hawaii by insects, disease-bearing organisms, snakes, weeds, and other pests is the single greatest threat to Hawaii's economy and natural environment and to the health and lifestyle of Hawaii's people.  The legislature further finds that immediate action is needed to mitigate the threats and effects of invasive species.

Pests already cause millions of dollars in crop losses, the extinction of native species, the destruction of native forests, and the spread of disease.  In addition, many more harmful pests now threaten to invade Hawaii and wreak further damage.  Even a single new pest, like the brown tree snake or the red imported fire ant, could forever change the character of our islands.  For example, a 2010 study by Shwiff, et al., estimated that if brown tree snakes became established in Hawaii, the cost to the State in lost tourism, health-care costs, and damage to power infrastructure could range from $593,000,000 to $2,140,000,000 per year.  A 2007 study by Gutrich, et al., estimated that the establishment of red imported fire ants in Hawaii would cost $211,000,000 annually, including $77,000,000 in control expenses and damage to utility, business, and household infrastructure and $134,000,000 in lost outdoor opportunities for visitors and residents.  Studies and experience show that preventing the introduction and spread of pests is more cost-effective than reactive responses or simply absorbing the economic, social, cultural, and ecological losses caused by established pests that are allowed to spread unchecked.  Stopping the influx of new pests and containing their spread is essential to Hawaii's current and future well-being.

     The legislature has already recognized the critical importance of invasive species in Hawaii, beginning with S.C.R. No. 45, H.D. 1, in 2001; followed by the 2002 study by the legislative reference bureau entitled "Filling the Gaps in the Fight Against Invasive Species"; and followed by Act 85, Session Laws of Hawaii 2003, which resulted in the creation of the interagency Hawaii invasive species council.  The Hawaii invasive species council, mandated by chapter 194, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is created for the special purpose of providing policy-level direction, coordination, and planning among agencies in Hawaii.  The Hawaii invasive species council has met this mandate, in part, by disbursing funds on an annual basis to support critical invasive species prevention, control, outreach, research, and planning projects that enhance or supplement existing departmental projects.

A 2002 study by the legislative reference bureau estimated the annual cost of addressing invasive species in Hawaii at $50,000,000.  The original goal for an annual Hawaii invasive species council budget was $5,000,000 from the general fund, though the initial approved appropriation in fiscal year 2005 was $2,000,000.  From fiscal years 2010-2013, no general funds were provided.  In fiscal year 2014, $750,000 was provided from the general fund.  In fiscal year 2015, $5,750,000 was provided from the general fund.  A continued commitment to having the best possible understanding, science, plans, capacity, and appropriated funds is necessary to maintain and enhance invasive species prevention and mitigation in Hawaii to effectively protect Hawaii's natural resources, the economy of the State, and the health and lifestyle of its people.

     SECTION 5.  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 2015-2016 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 for projects undertaken in accordance with the Hawaii invasive species council, including but not limited to invasive species prevention, control, outreach, research, and planning.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

PART IV

     SECTION 6.  The legislature finds that additional resources are necessary for emergency response and preparedness for natural disasters.  Events such as flooding, hurricanes, and wildfires are expected to increase in frequency and severity as climate change accelerates.

     As invasive species spread, our islands also become increasingly vulnerable to natural disasters.  Hurricane Iselle demonstrated the destructive qualities of invasive species, such as albizia trees, which toppled during high winds.  Wildfires have been intensified by fire-prone invasive species, such as fountain grass and other plants that increase fuel loads.  Erosion caused by flooding has also greatly increased as native forests are replaced by shallow-rooted invasive plants or become barren areas.

     The department of land and natural resources, division of forestry and wildlife, is responsible for wildfire preparedness and response as well as assisting federal, state, and county agencies during emergencies and natural disasters.  Hawaii's responders need access to new technologies developed to increase efficiency and the effectiveness of detection and response to these types of natural disasters that affect natural environments as well as public safety.

     SECTION 7.  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 2015-2016 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 for equipment for fire, natural disaster, and emergency response.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

PART V

SECTION 8.  The legislature finds that in order to foster "A Culture of Sustainability -- He Nohona ‘Ae‘oia," Hawaii's residents and visitors need to enjoy and connect with the natural environment.  Visiting natural areas cultivates respect and appreciation for Hawaii's natural and cultural heritage.  First-hand experiences in nature teach youth and adults the importance of these natural resources so that they can be appreciated and protected now and in the future.

Hiking, gathering, hunting, and other outdoor recreational activities are also beneficial for mental and physical health.  In addition to providing a source of exercise, spending time in natural environments significantly reduces stress and depression, increases the ability to focus attention, strengthens the immune system, and improves longevity.

Outdoor recreation is also central to Hawaii's visitor industry.  Hawaii's iconic trails and natural areas are a major attraction.  A 1997 study by Roumasset, et al., found that the Koolau mountains provide a present net value of $1,000,000,000 to $3,000,000,000 for ecotourism alone.

Trails, public access, and other infrastructure allow Hawaii's population to experience the islands' natural environment.  Improvements are needed statewide to address the deteriorating conditions of these trails, particularly high-use trails frequented by visitors.  Furthermore, development, particularly in rural areas, can restrict access points for the public to hike, gather, and hunt in public lands.  Funding is needed to improve the infrastructure and access necessary to connect people to the natural environment, which offers so many benefits to the health of Hawaii's people and economy.

     SECTION 9.  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 2015-2016 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 for forest and outdoor recreation improvement.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

PART VI

     SECTION 10.  This Act does not affect the rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun, before its effective date.

     SECTION 11.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2015.

 

 

Report Title:

Aloha+ Challenge; Natural Resource Goals; Appropriations

 

Description:

Appropriates funds for the natural resource goals of the Aloha+ Challenge.  (HB437 HD1)

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.