Bill > SCR149

This joint resolution requests the Office of the State Fire Marshal to establish a Vegetation Management Working Group in response to the devastating August 2023 Maui wildfires, with the goal of developing comprehensive regulations and recommendations for managing vegetation on public and private properties to reduce wildfire risks. The working group, composed of representatives from various state departments, legislative bodies, and utility companies, is tasked with studying and evaluating vegetation management strategies, with a particular focus on mitigating fire risks near electric utility lines and addressing the problem of invasive grasses that can easily ignite and spread fires. The resolution highlights that 99% of Hawaii's wildfires are caused by human actions and that certain invasive grass species like guinea grass and buffelgrass create significant fire hazards. The working group is expected to consider existing wildfire mitigation plans from electric utilities, define the obligations of property owners and easement holders, establish minimum safety standards for line clearance tree trimmers, and submit a report with findings and proposed legislation to the Legislature by late 2025, with the group set to dissolve on June 30, 2026.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Affairs, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SCR&billnumber=149&year=2025