HI HR37

Urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources to convene a task force of government and private stakeholders to identify long-term solutions for controlling and eradicating Albizia (fast-growing invasive tree species) in Hawaii.

Task force shall include representatives from the legislature, DLNR, Department of Transportation, Board of Agriculture, Hawaii Invasive Species Council, county governments, Hawaiian Electric Company, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, and a telecommunications company.

Requires the task force to submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2022 regular session, including analysis of the Hawaii Invasive Species Council's 2018 Strategic Plan, cost estimates for the past three years, and recommendations for agency vegetation management changes.

Report must identify funding sources (federal, state, county, or private) for Albizia control and eradication efforts, and recommend legislation addressing private landowner capabilities, permanent funding sources, and government agency authority to control vegetation on private property that threatens critical infrastructure or public safety.

DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife to provide administrative support to the task force, with assistance from the Legislative Reference Bureau in preparing the final report.