SB 546: RELATING TO ARBORISTS.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to arborists.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that trees are essential for improving soil health and building climate resiliency.  Trees absorb carbon dioxide and supply oxygen, lower air temperatures, provide shade and shelter, stabilize soil, prevent soil erosion, support the capture and conservation of the State's water supply, help remediate pollutants, and cut down on noise pollution by acting as sound barriers.

     The legislature further finds that the standards and best practices of the tree care industry not only reflect the knowledge of specialists in the field and the latest in research findings, but also raise the level of professionalism and public confidence in the field of tree care.  Certified arborists, or professional individuals who are equipped to plant, prune, transplant, fertilize, monitor and treat for insects and diseases, and remove trees and other woody plants, have an obligation to perform work that meets these industry standards and best practices.  The legislature notes that the State has a duty to manage and administer its public lands, including the soil conservation function and all activities on and within the forests, forest reserves, and state parks, and to promote the conservation, development, and utilization of forests, including forest reserves.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the State to ensure that all certified arborists in its employ or under contract adhere to best management practices.

     SECTION 2.  The State and its departments, offices, agencies, and political subdivisions shall require and enforce all certified arborists in its employ, including contractors, to adhere to best management practices in tree management and arboriculture-related care.

     For the purposes of this section, "best management practices" means the American National Standards Institute A300 Tree Care standards.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

State Arborists; Contractors; Best Management Practices

Description:

Requires the State to ensure and enforce that all certified arborists in its employ, including contractors, adhere to best management practices.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 191

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 546

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Government Operations, to which was referred S.B. No. 546 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ARBORISTS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to mandate that the State require all certified arborists it employs or contracts to adhere to best management practices.  

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Outdoor Circle, Trees for Honolulu's Future, Arbor Global, and five individuals.

     Your Committee finds that trees are important resources that improve soil health and enhance the State's climate resiliency.  These valuable resources require quality care that meets the standards and best practices of the tree care industry.  Your Committee further finds that employing best practices in arboriculture is especially critical now, given the massive revegetation effort in Lahaina and the surrounding communities necessitated by the devastating effects of the 2023 Maui wildfires.  This measure will ensure that tree care is properly performed in the State by requiring arborists employed or contracted by the State to adhere to industry best practices.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Government Operations that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 546 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Government Operations,