THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2520
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE STATE NATIVE TREE.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the ‘ōhi‘a lehua (metrosideros polymorpha) holds historical and cultural significance to the State. It is one of the most mentioned plant in native Hawaiian mo‘olelo (stories), mele (songs) and ‘oli (chants). Its hardwood was commonly used for tools and construction, and its blossoms and foliage were frequently used in lei and for medicinal purposes. Its nectar is the food for many indigenous species, such as the federally-endangered ‘akohekohe (crested honeycreeper) and the ‘ōpe‘ape‘a (Hawaiian hoary bat), the State's only native land animal.

The legislature further finds that the ‘ōhi‘a lehua is key to the State's ecology. This flowering evergreen is endemic to the six largest islands of the State and is not found anywhere else in the world. The ‘ōhi‘a lehua is the most common native tree in the Hawaiian islands. This slow-growing native tree is extremely adaptable and can be found at various altitudes and within various ecosystems. Its forms range from short bushy shrubs to one hundred-foot canopy trees. ‘Ōhi‘a lehua forests are estimated to cover over 800,000 acres statewide and are vital to protecting and conserving both Hawaii's watersheds and native species. The role of the ‘ōhi‘a lehua in Hawaii's natural and cultural history, along with its enduring presence in Hawaii's ecology, makes this tree essential to the State.

The legislature also finds that rapid ‘ōhi‘a death (ROD) threatens the existence of this native tree. ROD is a blight caused by one of two fungal pathogens: ceratocystis lukuohia (destroyer of ‘ōhi‘a) and ceratocystis huliohia (disruptor of ‘ōhi‘a). The ceratocystis fungi affect the vascular system of the tree by preventing water from reaching its stems and leaves. An infected ‘ōhi‘a lehua tree may take over a year to display symptoms, but usually dies within days to weeks once its leaves turn yellow, then brown. Since its discovery in 2010, ROD has decimated hundreds of thousands of ‘ōhi‘a lehua plants. Both pathogens have been found on Hawaii island and Kauai, while cases of ceratocystis huliohia have been confirmed on Oahu and Maui. According to the University of Hawaii's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, ongoing aerial surveys in 2019 have detected the symptoms of ROD in over 175,000 acres of state forest land.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to designate the ‘ōhi‘a lehua as the official state native tree of Hawaii.

SECTION 2. Section 5-8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§5-8 State tree[.]; state native tree. (a) The kukui tree, also known as the candlenut tree (Aleurites Moluccana), is adopted, established, and designated as the official tree of the State, to be effective so long as the legislature of the State does not otherwise provide.

(b) The ohia lehua (Metrosideros Polymorpha) is adopted, established, and designated as the official native tree of the State, to be effective so long as the legislature of the State does not otherwise provide."

SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

State Native Tree; Ohia Lehua

Description:

Designates the ohia lehua (metrosideros polymorpha) as the official state native tree of Hawaii.

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