THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

97

TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to Natural Resources.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


PART I

     SECTION 1.  Through Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 69, S.D. 1, Regular Session of 2014, the legislature endorsed and supported the integrated approach and six ambitious targets of the Aloha+ Challenge to be achieved by 2030, which was also accepted by the governor, mayors of all the counties, and the chair of the board of trustees of the office of Hawaiian affairs.  Additionally, Hawaii Green Growth  - a voluntary partnership of state, county, federal, business, and nongovernmental leaders from many sectors, including clean energy, local food production, natural resource management, waste reduction, climate change mitigation and adaptation, planning, green jobs, and others, have supported this shared statewide commitment to sustainability.

     The targets of the Aloha+ Challenge:  A Culture of Sustainability -- He Nohona Aeoia are based on current state priorities and policies, and include:

     (1)  Clean energy:  70 per cent clean energy, including 40 per cent from renewables and 30 per cent from efficiency;

     (2)  Local food:  At least double the local food production with a goal of 20 to 30 per cent of food consumed being grown locally;

     (3)  Natural resource management:  Reverse the trend of natural resource loss mauka to makai by increasing watershed protection, community-based marine management, invasive species prevention and control, and restoration of native species;

     (4)  Waste reduction:  Reduce the solid waste stream prior to disposal by 50 per cent through source reduction, recycling, and bioconversion;

     (5)  Smart sustainable communities:  Increase livability and resilience in the built environment through planning and implementation at the state and county levels; and

     (6)  Green workforce:  Increase local green jobs and education to implement these targets.

     The purpose of this Act is to provide funding to implement the natural resource management goal.  Funding these items is essential for the success of many of the other goals of the Aloha+ Challenge.  Further, these items are essential to keep Hawaii unique, improve the quality of life, health, and safety for Hawaii's residents and visitors, and maintain Hawaii's economy.  These items are also critical for the sustenance of irreplaceable cultural and natural values.  Finally, these items address major threats due to climate change.  Hawaii's natural infrastructure will increase resilience to drought conditions, more frequent and extreme natural disasters, as well as expanded ranges of invasive species.

PART II

     SECTION 2.  The legislature finds that climate change is significantly threatening Hawaii's fresh water supplies.  The islands have experienced decades of reduced rainfall, changes in trade wind patterns, and higher temperatures.  As these trends accelerate, Hawaii's limited fresh water will be further taxed.

     Through Act 152, Session Laws of Hawaii 2000, the legislature recognized that fresh water is not an infinite resource and that the high quality, quantity, and sustainability of fresh water depend upon forested watersheds.  Protecting and restoring Hawaii's forests will be critical for climate change resiliency on many levels.  Forests increase fresh water supply and reduce stress on coral reefs and fisheries by preventing erosion.  Further, these forests store carbon, significantly reducing Hawaii's carbon emissions.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $4,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2015-2016 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 to be expended on projects undertaken in accordance with watershed management plans.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this part.

PART III

     SECTION 4.  The legislature finds that invasive insects, disease-bearing organisms, snakes, weeds, and other pests are the greatest threat to Hawaii's economy and natural environment and to the health and lifestyle of Hawaii's people.  The legislature further finds that immediate action is needed to mitigate the threats and impacts of invasive species.

     Pests cause millions of dollars in crop losses, the extinction of native species, the destruction of native forests, and the spread of disease.  Even one new pest could forever change the character of our islands.  For example, a 2010 study by Shwiff, et al., estimated the cost to the State in lost tourism, health costs, and damage to power infrastructure could range from $593,000,000 to $2,140,000,000 per year if brown tree snakes became established in Hawaii.  A 2007 study by Gutrich, et al., estimated that establishment of red imported fire ants in Hawaii would cost $211,000,000.  Preventing the introduction and spread of pests is more cost effective than reacting to or absorbing the losses caused by the unchecked spread of pests.  Stopping the influx of new pests is essential to Hawaii's well-being.

     A 2002 legislative reference bureau study estimated the annual cost to address invasive species issues in Hawaii at $50,000,000.  Yet, the goal for an annual Hawaii invasive species council budget of $5,000,000 from the general fund went unmet for over a decade.  Finally, in fiscal year 2014-2015, $5,750,000 was provided from the general fund for the invasive species council.  A continued commitment is necessary to protect Hawaii from the dangers and costs of invasive species.

     SECTION 5.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $6,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2015-2016 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 for projects undertaken in accordance with the Hawaii invasive species council, including but not limited to invasive species prevention, control, outreach, research, and planning.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this part.

PART IV

     SECTION 6.  The legislature finds that additional resources are necessary for emergency response and preparedness for natural disasters.  Flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters are expected to increase in frequency and severity as climate change accelerates.  Invasive species also make our islands more vulnerable to natural disasters.  Hurricane Iselle demonstrated the damaging qualities of invasive species such as albizia trees, which toppled during high winds.  Wildfires have intensified with fire-prone fountain grass and other invasive plants that increase fuel loads.  Erosion caused by flooding has also increased as shallow-rooted invasive plants replace forests.

     The department of land and natural resources, division of forestry and wildlife is responsible for wildfire preparedness and assists federal, state, and county agencies in emergencies and natural disasters.  Hawaii's responders need access to technologies developed to improve detection and response to these types of natural disasters that affect the environment and public safety.

     SECTION 7.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,500,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2015-2016 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 for equipment for fire, natural disaster, and emergency response.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this part.

PART V

     SECTION 8.  The legislature finds that in order to foster a culture of sustainability, Hawaii's residents and visitors need to enjoy and connect with the natural environment.  Visiting natural areas cultivates respect and appreciation for Hawaii's natural and cultural heritage.  Hiking, gathering, hunting, and other outdoor recreation are also beneficial for mental and physical health; providing a source of exercise, being in natural environments significantly reduces stress and depression while improving longevity.

     Outdoor recreation is also central to Hawaii's visitor industry.  Hawaii's iconic trails and natural areas are a major destination and economic driver.  Statewide, improvements are needed to address deteriorating conditions of these trails, particularly high-use trails.  Development, particularly in rural areas, can restrict access points for the public to hike, gather, and hunt in public lands.  Funding is needed to improve the infrastructure and access necessary to connect people to the natural environment that provides so many benefits to the health of Hawaii's people and economy.

     SECTION 9.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2015-2016 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 for forest and outdoor recreation improvement.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this part.

PART VI

     SECTION 10.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2015.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Department of Land and Natural Resources; Appropriation; Conservation; Invasive Species; Natural Disasters; Aloha+ Challenge; Fresh Water; Emergency Responders

 

Description:

Appropriates funds to the department of land and natural resources for watershed management; invasive species council projects; fire, natural disaster, and emergency response; and forest and outdoor recreation improvement.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.