SB2372 revises Hawaii’s Exceptional Trees Program by creating a more detailed statutory framework for identifying, recognizing, and protecting trees of special value. The bill adds new definitions and selection criteria for “exceptional trees,” covering age, aesthetics, ecological and environmental benefits, botanical rarity, cultural and historical significance, and size. It also creates a new “significant tree” designation as a lower-tier, statewide recognition category intended for education and outreach, with the possibility that a significant tree may later be elevated to exceptional status.
The measure establishes a State Arborist Advisory Committee within the Department of Land and Natural Resources and requires each county to maintain a county arborist advisory committee with specified membership and expertise. The state committee would coordinate a statewide master plan, maintain an annual registry, advise state and county officials, and support public education efforts. County committees would continue to identify and recommend trees for protection, but would also be responsible for designating significant trees and applying the new statewide criteria. The bill also updates related law in Chapter 235 to align the tax code’s definition of “exceptional tree” with the new chapter 58 definitions.
Impact
The bill would substantially amend Chapter 58 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes by replacing the prior, narrower exceptional-tree framework with a more structured statewide and county-level system. It would require counties to use the new criteria when designating exceptional trees, expand county committee duties, and formalize a statewide administrative body under DLNR. It also amends section 235-19 to cross-reference the new definition of “exceptional tree,” which may affect how that term is applied in tax-related provisions. The bill expressly states that significant tree designation does not create additional regulatory obligations or tax benefits for property owners.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests broad support for the bill, with unanimous 5-0 passage in two Senate committees and a 4-1 passage in Senate Judiciary with amendments. The amendments indicate the measure was generally well received but still subject to refinement as it moved through the process. No committee transcripts were provided, so there is no recorded public discussion to indicate broader opposition or support beyond the votes.
Contention
The main points of potential contention appear to be administrative structure and regulatory scope. The bill centralizes statewide coordination through a new state arborist advisory committee while preserving county-level designation authority, which could raise questions about local control versus statewide standardization. Another possible issue is the creation of the significant tree category: although it is described as educational only and not regulatory, it still expands the program and could affect expectations for future protection or designation. The amendments and the single dissenting Judiciary vote suggest some concern about the bill’s details, but the record provided does not identify a specific opposing argument or stakeholder.