HI HB837

Establishes green infrastructure objectives and policies in Hawaii's State Planning Act to incorporate vegetation, trees, and sustainable design in state facilities, infrastructure, and transit projects to reduce urban heat, stormwater runoff, air pollutants, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Adds definitions of "green infrastructure" and "Hawaiian plants" to Chapter 226, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and modifies scenic resources policies to promote outdoor public green spaces, urban tree canopy, and prioritize Hawaiian plants where feasible.

Creates priority guidelines for state facility systems requiring tree planting, vegetation maintenance following industry standards, species selection matched to site conditions, and prioritization of Hawaiian plants to support Hawaii's cultural heritage and biodiversity.

Requires the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, in partnership with the Greenhouse Gas Sequestration Task Force, to submit a report to the legislature by 20 days before the 2024 regular session with recommendations for implementing the green infrastructure objectives and policies.

Appropriates general revenue funds for fiscal year 2023-2024 to establish policy analyst positions and provide program funding for implementing the Act's purposes, with funds to be expended by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.