HI SB2538

Creates a new criminal statute for the destruction of trees on state or county property, making it a misdemeanor offense to intentionally or knowingly fell, injure, or destroy such trees to the point of having no value or to substantially damage their potential value without consent.

Applies only to destruction by means other than fire and requires that the state or county owns or controls the property on which the tree stands.

Requires persons convicted of this offense to pay restitution to the state or county equal to the replacement value of the tree as determined by an arborist, in addition to any other applicable penalties.

Mandates that convicted individuals perform community service by planting trees or restoring habitat as directed by the court.

Takes effect upon approval and does not apply retroactively to rights, duties, penalties, or proceedings that existed before the effective date.