HI SB777

Establishes a criminal offense for intentionally or knowingly felling, injuring, destroying, or substantially damaging trees on state or county property without consent, punishable as a misdemeanor.

Requires persons convicted of tree destruction to pay the state or county the replacement value of the tree (as determined by a certified arborist) and the cost to replace it.

Allows courts to impose community service in lieu of or in addition to monetary penalties for tree destruction convictions.

Permits the state to pursue separate civil legal action to recover administrative fines, fees, attorney's fees, and costs in addition to criminal penalties.

Exempts state and county employees acting within the scope of employment and authorized volunteers or service groups removing hazard trees, invasive species, or trees harming cultural sites.