S.R. No. 112 Summary

• 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, DLNR, Department of Transportation, Board of Agriculture, Hawaii Invasive Species Council, county governments, Hawaiian Electric Company, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, and a telecommunications company.

• Albizia trees grow up to 15 feet per year with structurally weak limbs prone to sudden branch drop, crowd out native species, and pose hazards to public safety and critical infrastructure; infestation covers approximately 20,000 acres on Oahu and 43,000 acres on Hawaii island.

• Task force must submit a final report to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the Regular Session of 2022, including analysis of the 2018 Strategic Plan, cost estimates, agency recommendations, funding sources, and legislative proposals.

• Report must address vegetation management improvements, funding mechanisms, and legislation enabling private landowners and government agencies to control Albizia on private property when it threatens critical infrastructure or public safety.