Bill > HR62

This joint resolution requests the Office of the State Fire Marshal to establish a Vegetation Management Working Group to address wildfire risks and tree trimming safety, specifically in response to the devastating August 2023 Maui wildfires. The working group will be tasked with studying and recommending regulations that define property owner obligations for vegetation management on public and private lands, as well as establishing minimum safety standards and qualifications for line clearance tree trimmers working near electric utility facilities. The group will include representatives from various government agencies, including the State Fire Marshal, Transportation Department, Public Utilities Commission, and county mayors, and will also invite additional members from electric utilities, telecommunications carriers, and labor unions. The working group is expected to consider existing wildfire mitigation plans from electric utilities and submit a comprehensive report with findings and proposed legislation to the Legislature by late 2025, with the goal of developing more effective strategies to prevent wildfires and improve safety standards for tree trimming near utility infrastructure. The resolution notes that 99% of wildfires in Hawaii are caused by human activities and that certain invasive grasses can significantly increase fire risks.

Budget and Finance, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HR&billnumber=62&year=2025