THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	330
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO MOLUCCA ALBIZIA TREES.

 

 

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

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that molucca albizia trees are an invasive species that present a threat to life and property in Hawaii.  The molucca albizia was first introduced to Hawaii in 1917 as an ornamental tree and for the purposes of reforestation.  At one time, the United States Forest Service planted 135,000 molucca albizia seeds on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, and Hawaii for the production of lumber. 

     Molucca albizia is one of the fastest growing species among the broad-leaf tree species and has a life span of twenty-five to thirty years.  It has a large crown and can reach more than one hundred feet in height.  The molucca albizia has a soft and brittle wood, has a shallow root system in poor soil, and its large branches are often susceptible to breaking in high wind. 

     These factors pose a significant hazard to people and property in various residential and recreational areas, including the Manoa Falls trail.  The invasive species council has identified molucca albizia trees as a priority concern for their potential threat to human safety and the environment.  There is increasing public concern about the risk to people and property presented by the spread of the molucca albizia tree in the State.  For example, molucca albizia trees downed by Tropical Storm Iselle impeded highways, damaged power lines, and caused severe home damage.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate moneys to the department of land and natural resources to eradicate molucca albizia trees in the State.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           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 the eradication of molucca albizia trees.

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

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2015.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

Report Title:

Molucca Albizia Trees; DLNR; Appropriation

 

Description:

Appropriates moneys to DLNR to eradicate molucca albizia trees.

 

 

 

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