STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1452

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    S.R. No. 41

       S.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2013

State of Hawaii

 

Madam:

 

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.R. No. 41, S.D. 1, entitled:

 

"SENATE RESOLUTION URGING THE INVASIVE SPECIES COUNCIL TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A COMPREHENSIVE INTERAGENCY PLAN FOR THE CONTROL AND ERADICATION OF ALBIZIA THROUGHOUT THE STATE; STARTING WITH THE ISLAND OF HAWAII, AND TO PARTNER TO UTILIZE ALBIZIA TREES THAT ARE REMOVED AND URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO INVESTIGATE BIOCONTROL AGENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF ALBIZIA,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to address the rapid spread of Albizia trees in the State.

 

     Specifically, this measure:

 

     (1)  Urges the Invasive Species Council to:

 

          (A)  Develop and implement a comprehensive interagency plan for the control and eradication of Albizia throughout the State, starting with the island of Hawaii; and

 

          (B)  Find partners to utilize the Albizia trees that are removed; and

 

     (2)  Urges the Department of Agriculture to investigate biocontrol agents for the control of Albizia.

 

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Hawaii Electric Light Company.

 

     Your Committee finds that the Albizia tree is native to the South Pacific and was introduced to Hawaii in 1917.  Albizia is a fast growing tree with shallow roots, brittle wood, and a weak structure.  Your Committee also finds that, due to its rapid growth rate and soil-altering roots and foliage, Albizia poses a threat to lowland native forests.  Falling Albizia trees and branches pose a safety hazard to homeowners and motorists.  Albizia trees have also damaged overhead and underground utilities.  Your Committee further finds that Albizia has proliferated on the island of Hawaii to the point where it has become a significant problem.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 41, S.D. 1, and recommends its adoption.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

 

 

 

____________________________

DAVID Y. IGE, Chair