HI HR62

Requests the Office of the State Fire Marshal to convene a Vegetation Management Working Group to study and recommend regulations defining property owner obligations for vegetation management on public and private lands to mitigate wildfire risk.

Working Group must also develop recommendations defining line clearance tree trimmers and establish minimum safety standards, training, and qualifications for individuals performing tree trimming near electric utility facilities.

Working Group membership includes the State Fire Marshal (chair), Director of Transportation, Public Utilities Commission Chairperson, representatives from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Hawaii Invasive Species Council, House, Senate, and county mayors.

Working Group is requested to consider Hawaiian Electric Company's Climate Adaptation and Wildfire Safety Strategy filings with the Public Utilities Commission and utility hazard mitigation plans.

Working Group must submit findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the 2026 Regular Session and dissolve on June 30, 2026.