HI SCR149

Office of the State Fire Marshal is requested to convene a Vegetation Management Working Group to study and make recommendations for regulations defining vegetation management obligations of property owners, lessees, licensees, permittees, and easement holders on public and private property to mitigate wildfire risk.

Working Group is requested to make recommendations that define line clearance tree trimmers and establish minimum safety standards, training, and qualifications for individuals performing line clearance tree trimming at or near electric utility facilities.

Working Group membership includes the State Fire Marshal (chair), Director of Transportation, Chairperson of Department of Land and Natural Resources, Superintendent of Education, Chairperson of Public Utilities Commission, a Division of Consumer Advocacy representative, Hawaii Invasive Species Council representative, one House member, one Senate member, and all four 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 electric utilities' hazard mitigation plans filed in response to Public Utilities Commission Order No. 40396.

Working Group must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2026 Regular Session and is requested to dissolve on June 30, 2026; Department of Defense is requested to provide administrative support.