STAND. COM. REP. NO. 275-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: H.B. No. 2202

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Culture, Arts, & International Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 2202 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO STATE SYMBOLS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to designate the ‘ōhi‘a lehua as the state endemic tree.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, Big Island Invasive Species Committee, Wild Kids, and numerous individuals.

Your Committee finds that ‘ōhi‘a lehua is a keystone species of Hawaii's native forests and is endemic to the State's six largest islands. Your Committee further finds that forests dominated by ‘ōhi‘a lehua provide homes to a wide variety of species, including the Hawaiian hoary bat and many of Hawaii's native plants and invertebrates. In addition to its ecological importance, ‘ōhi‘a lehua holds a significant place in Native Hawaiian history and culture, represented in many chants, songs, and dances. The ‘ōhi‘a flower is prized in lei and is featured in art and clothing design, and the wood of the ‘ōhi‘a lehua was preferred for papa ku‘i ‘ai (poi boards) and is still regarded as a high-quality wood for construction and furniture. Your Committee finds it appropriate to recognize the importance of the ‘ōhi‘a lehua to the State and bring awareness to current threats to ‘ōhi‘a lehua by designating the ‘ōhi‘a lehua as the state endemic tree.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the effective date to July 1, 2044, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Culture, Arts, & International Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2202, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2202, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Culture, Arts, & International Affairs,

____________________________

CEDRIC ASUEGA GATES, Chair