THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2066
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2010
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to trees.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that trees are essential to a healthy environment for Hawaii, and increasing the number of trees planted in Hawaii would improve Hawaii's natural beauty and provide other needed benefits.  Trees supply oxygen in the air we breathe and keep the air supply fresh by absorbing carbon dioxide.  Trees provide shade and shelter, reducing annual heating and cooling costs in the United States by $2.1 billion.  Tree roots stabilize the soil, prevent soil erosion, support the capture and conservation of our water supply, and help remediate pollutants.  Trees cut down on noise pollution by acting as sound barriers, and trees lower air temperatures by evaporating water from their leaves.  The numerous benefits of increased numbers of trees, especially in urban areas, have led to various tree planting campaigns.

     In the 1980s, Hawaii successfully planted 1,200,000 trees for the "A Million Trees of Aloha" initiative.  Presently, across the nation, in Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, New York City, and other places, communities are working to plant a million trees in urban settings. 

     Local community organizations including the Outdoor Circle and the Nature Conservancy are willing to coordinate statewide efforts to implement a new tree planting initiative. 

     The purpose of this Act is to establish a campaign to plant one million trees in Hawaii in two years.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The department of land and natural resources shall establish a statewide program to plant one million trees in two years.  The department shall assist county governments, community groups, and individuals in the coordination of the program to accomplish the goal.  The program shall be a community-based initiative with minimal assistance from the department. 

     (b)  When feasible, the trees planted shall be:

     (1)  A variety indigenous to the State;

     (2)  Fruit trees; or

     (3)  Raised by local growers.

     (c)  The department shall provide an interim report on the progress of the tree planting campaign to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2011 regular session, and a final report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2012 regular session.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Keiki Caucus; Trees; Planting

Description:

Establishes a two-year program to plant one million trees in the State.

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