HI HB837

Establishes green infrastructure objectives and policies in the Hawaii State Planning Act to incorporate vegetation, trees, and sustainable design in state facility systems, infrastructure, and transit projects.

Adds four sustainability design objectives: minimizing stormwater runoff, reducing urban heat-island effect, removing air pollutants, and sequestering greenhouse gas emissions.

Requires two quality-of-life design objectives: creating visual and sound barriers and incorporating live foliage with priority given to Hawaiian and non-invasive Polynesian plants.

Directs the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, in partnership with the Greenhouse Gas Sequestration Task Force, to report to the legislature by twenty days prior to the 2024 regular session with implementation recommendations.

Appropriates funds from general revenues for fiscal year 2023-2024 to establish policy analyst positions and provide program funding for implementation (effective date: June 30, 3000).