STAND. COM. REP. NO. 191

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 546

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Government Operations, to which was referred S.B. No. 546 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ARBORISTS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to mandate that the State require all certified arborists it employs or contracts to adhere to best management practices.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Outdoor Circle, Trees for Honolulu's Future, Arbor Global, and five individuals.

Your Committee finds that trees are important resources that improve soil health and enhance the State's climate resiliency. These valuable resources require quality care that meets the standards and best practices of the tree care industry. Your Committee further finds that employing best practices in arboriculture is especially critical now, given the massive revegetation effort in Lahaina and the surrounding communities necessitated by the devastating effects of the 2023 Maui wildfires. This measure will ensure that tree care is properly performed in the State by requiring arborists employed or contracted by the State to adhere to industry best practices.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Government Operations that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 546 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Government Operations,

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ANGUS L.K. MCKELVEY, Chair