Bill > SB1550

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for identifying, protecting, and recognizing exceptional and significant trees in Hawaii. It creates a statewide program that defines detailed selection criteria for exceptional trees across nine categories, including age, aesthetics, benefits, botanical value, cultural significance, form, historical importance, landmark status, and size. The bill mandates the establishment of a State Arborist Advisory Committee within the Department of Land and Natural Resources, consisting of 9-13 members with expertise in arboriculture, urban forestry, and related fields. Each county will be required to have an Arborist Advisory Committee with at least six members tasked with identifying and designating both exceptional and significant trees. A new "significant tree" designation is introduced as a tier two classification to promote awareness and education about tree conservation, with the understanding that significant trees could potentially become exceptional trees in the future. The bill empowers the State Arborist Advisory Committee to develop a statewide strategic plan, create an annual tree registry, advise government entities, and implement public education campaigns about tree preservation. The overall goal is to safeguard trees that have environmental, cultural, historical, economic, and aesthetic value, ensuring their protection during land development and increasing public understanding of their importance.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1550&year=2026