HCR 69: REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL TO CONVENE A VEGETATION MANAGEMENT WORKING GROUP TO STUDY, EVALUATE, AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REGULATIONS THAT DEFINE PROPERTY OWNER OBLIGATIONS FOR VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ON PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY TO MITIGATE WILDFIRE RISK, AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS THAT DEFINE A LINE CLEARANCE TREE TRIMMER AND ESTABLISH MINIMUM SAFETY STANDARDS, TRAINING, AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS PERFORMING LINE CLEARANCE TREE TRIMMING AT OR NEAR ELECTRIC UTILITY FACILITIES.
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2025-04-14
Current Status:
In Progress
(2025-04-16: Returned from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 796) in amended form (SD 1).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL TO CONVENE A VEGETATION MANAGEMENT WORKING GROUP TO STUDY, EVALUATE, AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REGULATIONS THAT DEFINE PROPERTY OWNER OBLIGATIONS FOR VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ON PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY TO MITIGATE WILDFIRE RISK, AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS THAT DEFINE A LINE CLEARANCE TREE TRIMMER AND ESTABLISH MINIMUM SAFETY STANDARDS, TRAINING, AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS PERFORMING LINE CLEARANCE TREE TRIMMING AT OR NEAR ELECTRIC UTILITY FACILITIES.
requesting the office of the state fire marshal to convene a vegetation management working group to study, evaluate, and make recommendations for REGULATIONS that define property owner obligations for vegetation management on public and private property TO MITIGATE wildfire RISK, AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS THAT DEFINE A LINE CLEARANCE TREE TRIMMER AND ESTABLISH MINIMUM SAFETY STANDARDS, TRAINING, AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS PERFORMING LINE CLEARANCE TREE TRIMMING AT OR NEAR ELECTRIC UTILITY FACILITIES.
requesting the office of the state fire marshal to convene a vegetation management working group to study, evaluate, and make recommendations for REGULATIONS that define property owner obligations for vegetation management on public and private property TO MITIGATE wildfire RISK.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.C.R. NO. |
69 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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HOUSE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION
REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL TO CONVENE A VEGETATION MANAGEMENT WORKING GROUP TO STUDY, EVALUATE, AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REGULATIONS THAT DEFINE PROPERTY OWNER OBLIGATIONS FOR VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ON PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY TO MITIGATE WILDFIRE RISK, AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS THAT DEFINE A LINE CLEARANCE TREE TRIMMER AND ESTABLISH MINIMUM SAFETY STANDARDS, TRAINING, AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS PERFORMING LINE CLEARANCE TREE TRIMMING AT OR NEAR ELECTRIC UTILITY FACILITIES.
WHEREAS, on August 8, 2023, catastrophic wildfires swept through various communities on the island of Maui; and
WHEREAS, the wildfires significantly impacted human life and the health, community housing, education, economy, and environment of Maui residents; and
WHEREAS, the presence of grass, trees, and other vegetation adjacent to or under electric utility lines is a significant fire risk; and
WHEREAS, in response to the wildfires, in 2023 the House of Representatives established six interim working groups, including the Wildfire Prevention Working Group, which were charged with evaluating specific topics related to the Lahaina wildfire and making recommendations for specific legislative action; and
WHEREAS, the Wildfire Prevention Working Group found that people are the primary drivers of wildfires in Hawaii, as ninety-nine percent of wildfires are caused by human ignitions; and
WHEREAS, the Wildfire Prevention Working Group also found that guinea grass, fountain grass, molasses grass, and buffelgrass can form continuous fuel beds, ignite easily, attain extremely high fine fuel loads, and grow back more vigorously in the post-fire environment than the majority of native vegetation; and
WHEREAS, electric utility companies have miles of utility lines installed throughout the State on public and private lands, including within the public rights of way and mountainous areas of the State; and
WHEREAS, communication equipment, by nature, does not independently create wildfire risks, making its role in vegetation management appropriately limited; and
WHEREAS, other states such as Oregon and Washington appropriately regulate vegetation management requirements specifically for electric utilities due to the unique wildfire hazards posed by high-voltage power lines; and
WHEREAS, a significant portion of these public lands is covered with unmanaged grasses, trees, and other vegetation that may pose a significant wildfire risk; and
WHEREAS, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that the Tree Industry average annual fatal-incident rate is thirty (30) times greater than the All-Industry average annual fatal‑incident rate; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature recognizes that other state jurisdictions have recognized the additional hazard presented to individuals performing line clearance tree trimming at or near electric utility facilities and have adopted state law requiring minimum safety standards, training and qualifications for individuals performing such work; and
WHEREAS, additional study into appropriate vegetation management will enable the State to develop appropriate policies, regulations, and guidance for the parties responsible for the management of vegetation on public and private lands to mitigate wildfire risk and establish minimum safety standards, training, and qualifications for individuals performing line clearance tree trimming at or near electric utility facilities; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, the Senate concurring, that the Office of the State Fire Marshal is requested to convene a Vegetation Management Working Group (Working Group) to study, evaluate, and make recommendations for regulations that define property owner obligations for vegetation management on public and private property to mitigate wildfire risk , as well as minimum safety standards, training, and qualifications for individuals performing line clearance tree trimming at or near electric utility facilities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in its review of vegetation management, the Working Group is requested to consider the following:
(1) Wildfire risk mitigation actions being proposed as part of the Hawaiian Electric Company's Climate Adaptation Transmission and Distribution and Resilience Program and Wildfire Safety Strategy filed with the Public Utilities Commission as Docket No. 2022-0135 and Docket No. 2025-0156, respectively; and
(2) The hazard mitigation plans of electric utilities, including the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, filed with the Public Utilities Commission as part of a non‑docketed proceeding under Case No. 2023-04661 in response to Public Utilities Commission Order No. 40396; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Working Group is requested to include the following members:
(1) The State Fire Marshal, who is requested to serve as the chairperson of the Working Group;
(2) The Director of Transportation, or the Director's designee;
(3) The Chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission, or the Chairperson's designee;
(4) The Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, or the Chairperson's designee;
(5) The Superintendent of Education, or the Superintendent's designee;
(6) A representative of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' Division of Consumer Advocacy with experience in matters related to regulated public utilities, to be appointed by the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs;
(7) A representative of the Hawaii Invasive Species Council;
(8) A member of the House of Representatives, to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
(9) A member of the Senate, to be appointed by the President of the Senate; and
(10) The Mayor of each county, or the Mayor's designee; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Working Group is requested to invite the following individuals to be members of the Working Group:
(1) A representative of a cooperative electric utility;
(2) A representative of an investor-owned electric utility;
(3) A representative of a communications service provider;
(4) A representative of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1260; and
(5) A landowner that owns more than one thousand acres of land in the State; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Working Group is requested to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2026; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department the Office of the State Fire Marshal is administratively attached to, is requested to provide administrative support to the Working Group, including drafting of the report; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Working Group is requested to dissolve on June 30, 2026; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Department the Office of the State Fire Marshal is administratively attached to; Director of Transportation; Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources; Superintendent of Education; Chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission, who is requested to transmit copies of this Concurrent Resolution to all regulated telecommunications carriers; Mayors of the Counties of Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii and Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu; President and Chief Executive Officer of the Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc.; Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative; and President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union 1260.
Wildfires; Vegetation Management Working Group
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.C.R. NO. |
69 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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HOUSE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION
requesting the office of the state fire marshal to convene a vegetation management working group to study, evaluate, and make recommendations for REGULATIONS that define property owner obligations for vegetation management on public and private property TO MITIGATE wildfire RISK, AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS THAT DEFINE A LINE CLEARANCE TREE TRIMMER AND ESTABLISH MINIMUM SAFETY STANDARDS, TRAINING, AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS PERFORMING LINE CLEARANCE TREE TRIMMING AT OR NEAR ELECTRIC UTILITY FACILITIES.
WHEREAS, on August 8, 2023, catastrophic wildfires swept through various communities on the island of Maui; and
WHEREAS, the wildfires significantly impacted human life and the health, community housing, education, economy, and environment of Maui residents; and
WHEREAS, the presence of grass, trees, and other vegetation adjacent to or under electric utility lines is a significant fire risk; and
WHEREAS, in response to the wildfires, in 2023 the House of Representatives established six interim working groups, including the Wildfire Prevention Working Group, which were charged with evaluating specific topics related to the Lahaina wildfire and making recommendations for specific legislative action; and
WHEREAS, the Wildfire Prevention Working Group found that people are the primary drivers of wildfires in Hawaii, as ninety-nine percent of wildfires are caused by human ignitions; and
WHEREAS, the Wildfire Prevention Working Group also found that guinea grass, fountain grass, molasses grass, and buffelgrass can form continuous fuel beds, ignite easily, attain extremely high fine fuel loads, and grow back more vigorously in the post-fire environment than the majority of native vegetation; and
WHEREAS, utility companies have miles of utility lines installed throughout the State on public and private lands, including within the public rights of way and mountainous areas of the State; and
WHEREAS, a significant portion of these public lands is covered with unmanaged grasses, trees, and other vegetation that may pose a significant wildfire risk; and
WHEREAS, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that the Tree Industry average annual fatal-incident rate is thirty (30) times greater than the All-Industry average annual fatal-incident rate; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature recognizes that other state jurisdictions have recognized the additional hazard presented to individuals performing line clearance tree trimming at or near electric utility facilities and have adopted state law requiring minimum safety standards, training and qualifications for individuals performing such work; and
WHEREAS, additional study into appropriate vegetation management will enable the State to develop appropriate policies, regulations, and guidance for the parties responsible for the management of vegetation on public and private lands to mitigate wildfire risk and establish minimum safety standards, training, and qualifications for individuals performing line clearance tree trimming at or near electric utility facilities; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, the Senate concurring, that the Office of the State Fire Marshal is requested to convene a Vegetation Management Working Group (Working Group) to study, evaluate, and make recommendations for regulations that define property owner obligations for vegetation management on public and private property to mitigate wildfire risk , as well as minimum safety standards, training, and qualifications for individuals performing line clearance tree trimming at or near electric utility facilities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in its review of vegetation management, the Working Group is requested to consider the following:
(1) Wildfire risk mitigation actions being proposed as part of the Hawaiian Electric Company's Climate Adaptation Transmission and Distribution and Resilience Program and Wildfire Safety Strategy filed with the Public Utilities Commission as Docket No. 2022-0135 and Docket No. 2025-0156, respectively; and
(2) The hazard mitigation plans of electric utilities, including the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, filed with the Public Utilities Commission as part of a non-docketed proceeding under Case No. 2023-04661 in response to Public Utilities Commission Order No. 40396; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Working Group is requested to include the following members:
(1) The State Fire Marshal, who is requested to serve as the chairperson of the Working Group;
(2) The Director of Transportation, or the Director's designee;
(3) The Chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission, or the Chairperson's designee;
(4) A representative of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' Division of Consumer Advocacy with experience in matters related to regulated public utilities, to be appointed by the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs;
(5) A representative of the Hawaii Invasive Species Council;
(6) A member of the House of Representatives, to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
(7) A member of the Senate, to be appointed by the President of the Senate; and
(8) The mayor of each county, or the mayor's designee; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Working Group is requested to invite the following individuals to be members of the Working Group:
(1) A representative of a cooperative electric utility;
(2) A representative of an investor-owned electric utility;
(3) A representative of a telecommunications carrier;
(4) A representative of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1260; and
(5) A landowner that owns more than one thousand acres of land in the State; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Working Group is requested to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2026; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department the Office of the State Fire Marshal is administratively attached to, is requested to provide administrative support to the Working Group, including drafting of the report; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Working Group is requested to dissolve on June 30, 2026; and
Wildfires; Vegetation Management Working Group
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.C.R. NO. |
69 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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HOUSE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION
requesting the office of the state fire marshal to convene a vegetation management working group to study, evaluate, and make recommendations for REGULATIONS that define property owner obligations for vegetation management on public and private property TO MITIGATE wildfire RISK.
WHEREAS, on August 8, 2023, catastrophic wildfires swept through various communities on the island of Maui; and
WHEREAS, the wildfires significantly impacted human life and the health, community housing, education, economy, and environment of Maui residents; and
WHEREAS, the presence of grass, trees, and other vegetation adjacent to or under electric utility lines is a significant fire risk; and
WHEREAS, in response to the wildfires, in 2023 the House of Representatives established six interim working groups, including the Wildfire Prevention Working Group, which were charged with evaluating specific topics related to the Lahaina wildfire and making recommendations for specific legislative action; and
WHEREAS, the Wildfire Prevention Working Group found that people are the primary drivers of wildfires in Hawaii, as ninety-nine percent of wildfires are caused by human ignitions; and
WHEREAS, the Wildfire Prevention Working Group also found that guinea grass, fountain grass, molasses grass, and buffelgrass can form continuous fuel beds, ignite easily, attain extremely high fine fuel loads, and grow back more vigorously in the post-fire environment than the majority of native vegetation; and
WHEREAS, utility companies have miles of utility lines installed throughout the State on public and private lands, including within the public rights of way and mountainous areas of the State; and
WHEREAS, a significant portion of these public lands is covered with unmanaged grasses, trees, and other vegetation that may pose a significant wildfire risk; and
WHEREAS, additional study into appropriate vegetation management will enable the State to develop appropriate policies, regulations, and guidance for the parties responsible for the management of vegetation on public and private lands to mitigate wildfire risk; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, the Senate concurring, that the Office of the State Fire Marshal is requested to convene a Vegetation Management Working Group (Working Group) to study, evaluate, and make recommendations for regulations that define property owner obligations for vegetation management on public and private property to mitigate wildfire risk; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in its review of vegetation management, the Working Group is requested to consider the following:
(1) Wildfire risk mitigation actions being proposed as part of the Hawaiian Electric Company's Climate Adaptation Transmission and Distribution and Resilience Program and Wildfire Safety Strategy filed with the Public Utilities Commission as Docket No. 2022-0135 and Docket No. 2025-0156, respectively; and
(2) The hazard mitigation plans of electric utilities, including the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, filed with the Public Utilities Commission as part of a non-docketed proceeding under Case No. 2023-04661 in response to Public Utilities Commission Order No. 40396; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Working Group is requested to include the following members:
(1) The State Fire Marshal, or the Director of Labor and Industrial Relations' designee, who is requested to serve as the chairperson of the Working Group;
(2) The Director of Transportation, or the Director's designee;
(3) The Chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission, or the Chairperson's designee;
(4) A representative of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' Division of Consumer Advocacy with experience in matters related to regulated public utilities, to be appointed by the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs;
(5) A representative of the Hawaii Invasive Species Council;
(6) A member of the House of Representatives, to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
(7) A member of the Senate, to be appointed by the President of the Senate; and
(8) The mayor of each county, or the mayor's designee; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Working Group is requested to invite the following individuals to be members of the Working Group:
(1) A representative of a cooperative electric utility;
(2) A representative of an investor-owned electric utility;
(3) A representative of a telecommunications carrier;
(4) A representative of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1260; and
(5) A landowner that owns more than one thousand acres of land in the State; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Working Group is requested to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2026; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations is requested to provide administrative support to the Working Group, including drafting of the report; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Working Group is requested to dissolve on June 30, 2026; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Labor and Industrial Relations; Director of Transportation; Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission, who is requested to transmit copies of this Concurrent Resolution to all regulated telecommunications carriers; Mayors of the Counties of Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii and Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu; President and Chief Executive Officer of the Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc.; Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative; and President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union 1260.
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OFFERED BY: |
_____________________________ |
Wildfires; Vegetation Management Working Group
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Date
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Status
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| Apr 16, 2025 | Returned from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 796) in amended form (SD 1). |
| Apr 16, 2025 | Report and Resolution Adopted as amended (SD1). Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 1 (Senator(s) Awa). Transmitted to House. |
| Apr 15, 2025 | One Day Notice 04-16-25. |
| Apr 15, 2025 | Reported from PSM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1890) with recommendation of adoption, as amended (SD 1). |
| Apr 11, 2025 | The committee(s) on PSM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in PSM were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Elefante, Wakai, Fukunaga, Rhoads, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 8, 2025 | The committee(s) on PSM has scheduled a public hearing on 04-11-25 3:05PM; Conference Room 225 & Videoconference. |
| Apr 4, 2025 | Referred to PSM. |
| Apr 4, 2025 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 517). |
| Apr 3, 2025 | Adopted with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Souza voting no (1) and Representative(s) Cochran, Woodson excused (2). |
| Apr 3, 2025 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1822), recommending adoption. |
| Mar 31, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 14 Ayes: Representative(s) Yamashita, Takenouchi, Grandinetti, Holt, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lamosao, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Templo, Alcos; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Reyes Oda, Ward. |
| Mar 28, 2025 | Scheduled for decision making on Monday, 03-31-25 10:15AM in conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 28, 2025 | Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on FIN as amended in HD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Souza voting no (1) and Representative(s) Cochran, Hussey, Muraoka, Ward excused (4). |
| Mar 28, 2025 | Reported from PBS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1677) as amended in HD 1, recommending referral to FIN. |
| Mar 21, 2025 | The committee on PBS recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 6 Ayes: Representative(s) Belatti, Iwamoto, Ichiyama, Poepoe, Shimizu, Souza; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 4 Excused: Representative(s) Hashem, Lamosao, Morikawa, Woodson. |
| Mar 18, 2025 | Resolution scheduled to be heard by PBS on Friday, 03-21-25 9:00AM in conference room 411 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 14, 2025 | Referred to PBS, FIN, referral sheet 22 |
| Mar 7, 2025 | Offered |
| Mar 6, 2025 | To be offered. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| Apr 11, 2025 | The committee(s) on PSM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs |
Passed |
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| Mar 31, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
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| Mar 21, 2025 | The committee on PBS recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Public Safety |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Organization
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Position
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Date
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|---|---|---|
| Charter Communications | ** Support | |
| Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs | ** Support | |
| Department of Land and Natural Resources | ** Support | |
| Division of Consumer Advocacy | *** Support | Apr 11, 2025 |
| Hawaii Forest Industry Association | *** Support | Mar 21, 2025 |
| Hawaiian Electric | ** Support | |
| International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1260 | *** Support | Mar 21, 2025 |
| Kamehameha Schools | ** Support | |
| Life of the Land | ** Support | |
| Public Utilities Commission | ** Support | |
| Public Utilities Commission | *** Support | Apr 11, 2025 |
| ʻĀina Pauahi | *** Support | Apr 11, 2025 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1890
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: H.C.R. No. 69
H.D. 1
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 69, H.D. 1, entitled:
"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL TO CONVENE A VEGETATION MANAGEMENT WORKING GROUP TO STUDY, EVALUATE, AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REGULATIONS THAT DEFINE PROPERTY OWNER OBLIGATIONS FOR VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ON PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY TO MITIGATE WILDFIRE RISK, AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS THAT DEFINE A LINE CLEARANCE TREE TRIMMER AND ESTABLISH MINIMUM SAFETY STANDARDS, TRAINING, AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS PERFORMING LINE CLEARANCE TREE TRIMMING AT OR NEAR ELECTRIC UTILITY FACILITIES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to request the Office of the State Fire Marshal to convene a Vegetation Management Working Group to study, evaluate, and make recommendations for regulations that define property owner obligations for vegetation management on public and private property to mitigate wildfire risk, and make recommendations that define a line clearance tree trimmer and establish minimum safety standards, training, and qualifications for individuals performing line clearance tree trimming at or near electric utility facilities.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Public Utilities Commission, Hawaiian Electric, Charter Communications, Kamehameha Schools, Life of the Land, and two individuals.
Your Committee received comments on this measure from Hawaiian Telcom, Inc.
Your Committee finds that the tragedy and devastation of the Maui wildfires that arose during the August 8, 2023, windstorm must be prevented from reoccurring. Vegetation management, including the creation of firebreaks and the removal of buildup of flammable vegetation, is viewed as essential for the mitigation of wildfire risks and the promotion of safer conditions for communities and the environment. However, the combination of an electric utility's numerous easement and right-of-way agreements, along with the fragmented ownership of public and private lands in a state with limited land availability, poses significant challenges to developing clear and consistent vegetation management regulations. Accordingly, this measure requests the Office of the State Fire Marshal to convene a Vegetation Management Working Group to make recommendations for regulations defining property owner obligations for vegetation management to mitigate wildfire risk. This measure further requests the Vegetation Management Working Group to make certain recommendations regarding line clearance tree trimmers to establish industry standards for those doing this work relating to vegetation management. These requests will provide for comprehensive vegetation management in the State.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Clarifying that the utility companies that have miles of utility lines installed throughout the State are electric utility companies;
(2) Adding language stating that communication equipment, by nature, does not independently create wildfire risks, making its role in vegetation management appropriately limited;
(3) Adding language stating that other states such as Oregon and Washington appropriately regulate vegetation management requirements specifically for electric utilities due to the unique wildfire hazards posed by high-voltage power lines;
(4) Adding the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, or their designee, to the list of requested membership for the Working Group;
(5) Adding the Superintendent of Education, or the Superintendent's designee, to the list of requested membership for the Working Group;
(6) Removing a representative of a telecommunications carrier from the list of requested invitees to the Working Group and substituting a representative of a communications service provider; and
(7) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 69, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as H.C.R. No. 69, H.D. 1, S.D. 1.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs,
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________________________________ BRANDON J.C. ELEFANTE, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1822
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.C.R. No. 69
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 69, H.D. 1, entitled:
"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL TO CONVENE A VEGETATION MANAGEMENT WORKING GROUP TO STUDY, EVALUATE, AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REGULATIONS THAT DEFINE PROPERTY OWNER OBLIGATIONS FOR VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ON PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY TO MITIGATE WILDFIRE RISK, AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS THAT DEFINE A LINE CLEARANCE TREE TRIMMER AND ESTABLISH MINIMUM SAFETY STANDARDS, TRAINING, AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS PERFORMING LINE CLEARANCE TREE TRIMMING AT OR NEAR ELECTRIC UTILITY FACILITIES.,"
begs leave to report as follows:
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 69, H.D. 1, and recommends its adoption.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,
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____________________________ KYLE T. YAMASHITA, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1677
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.C.R. No. 69
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Public Safety, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 69 entitled:
"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL TO CONVENE A VEGETATION MANAGEMENT WORKING GROUP TO STUDY, EVALUATE, AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REGULATIONS THAT DEFINE PROPERTY OWNER OBLIGATIONS FOR VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ON PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY TO MITIGATE WILDFIRE RISK,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to request the Office of the State Fire Marshal to convene a Vegetation Management Working Group to study, evaluate, and make recommendations for regulations that define property owner obligations for vegetation management on public and private property to mitigate wildfire risk.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Amending its title in accordance with its amended purpose; and
(2) Requesting the Office of State Marshal and the State Fire Council to undertake the recommendations that define a line clearance tree trimmer and establish minimum safety standards, training, and qualifications for individuals performing line clearance tree trimming at or near electric utility facilities.
(3) Removing "DLIR", "Department of Labor and Industrial Relations", or "Director of Labor and Industrial Relations", and where applicable, adding the language, "whichever department the Office of the State Fire Marshal is administratively attached to".
Your committee further notes the next committee should
consider Kamehameha School's oral testimony that pointed out
vegetation management is the landowner's and the easement holder's responsibility.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 69, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as H.C.R. No. 69, H.D. 1.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Public Safety,
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________________________ DELLA AU BELATTI, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Apr 11, 2025 | HCR69_HD1_TESTIMONY_PSM_04-11-25_.PDF |
| Mar 21, 2025 | HCR69_TESTIMONY_PBS_03-21-25_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
5MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Health and Human Services
5MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts
5MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
5MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs
14MIN
House Standing Committee on Public Safety
Bill Author
