HI HB2219

Expands eligibility for membership on county arborist advisory committees to include certified arborists, horticulturists with specialization in trees, and persons with master's degrees in botany, in addition to landscape architects.

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 58-2 to broaden the candidate pool for the required tree-expertise position on each county's arborist advisory committee.

Addresses the Hawaii County situation where only three landscape architects work in the county, which has left the county arborist advisory committee non-functional since 2008.

Maintains existing committee structure requiring appointment by the mayor and including the county planning director and at least three members with expertise in community beautification or ecological sciences.

Takes effect upon approval.