HI SCR160

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 trees in Hawaii.

Task force composition includes representatives from the Legislature, state agencies (DLNR, Transportation, Agriculture), Hawaii Invasive Species Council, county emergency management offices, Hawaiian Electric Company, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, and a telecommunications company.

Albizia trees, introduced to Hawaii in 1917, grow up to 15 feet per year with structurally weak branches prone to sudden drops, crowd out native species, and have infested approximately 20,000 acres on Oahu and 43,000 acres on eastern Hawaii Island.

Requires the task force to submit a report to the Legislature no later than 20 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 legislation regarding private landowner rights, permanent funding sources, and government authority to control Albizia on private property.

Division of Forestry and Wildlife shall provide administrative support; Legislative Reference Bureau shall assist with report preparation upon request.