PART I

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that through S.C.R. No. 69, S.D. 1, regular session of 2014, the legislature endorsed and supported the integrated approach and six ambitious targets of the Aloha+ Challenge to be achieved by 2030, which were also accepted by the governor, mayors of all the counties, and the chair of the board of trustees of the office of Hawaiian affairs. Additionally, Hawaii Green Growth, a voluntary partnership of state, county, federal, business, and nongovernmental leaders from many sectors, including clean energy, local food production, natural resource management, waste reduction, climate change mitigation and adaptation, planning, green jobs, and others, have supported this shared statewide commitment to sustainability.

The targets of the Aloha+ Challenge: A Culture of Sustainability -- He Nohona ‘Ae‘oia are based on current state priorities and policies and include:

(1) Achieving 70 per cent clean energy, including 40 per cent from renewables and 30 per cent from efficiency;

(2) At least doubling the local food production with a goal of 20 to 30 per cent of food consumed being grown locally;

(3) Reversing the trend of natural resource loss mauka to makai by increasing watershed protection, community-based marine management, invasive species prevention and control, and restoration of native species;

(4) Reducing the solid waste stream prior to disposal by 50 per cent, through source reduction, recycling, and bioconversion;

(5) Establishing smart sustainable communities by increasing livability and resilience in the built environment through planning and implementation at the state and county levels; and

(6) Increasing the green workforce through local green jobs and education to implement these targets.

The purpose of this Act is to provide funding to implement the natural resource management goal. These items are essential to meet the Aloha+ Challenge and to keep Hawaii unique, improve the quality of life, health, and safety for Hawaii's residents and visitors, and maintain Hawaii's economy.

PART II

SECTION 2. The legislature finds that climate change is significantly threatening Hawaii's fresh water supplies due to reduced rainfall, changes in tradewind patterns, and higher temperatures. The legislature further finds that through Act 152, Session Laws of Hawaii 2000, the legislature recognized that fresh water is not an infinite resource and its high quality, quantity, and sustainability depend upon forested watersheds. The Hawaii greenhouse gas emissions reduction task force strongly recommends opportunities for reforestation projects to meet targets of the Hawaii clean energy initiative. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change also identified preventing deforestation as the largest and most immediate carbon stock impact in the short term.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $4,000,000 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 projects undertaken in accordance with watershed management plans.

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

PART III

SECTION 4. The legislature finds that the invasion of Hawaii by insects, disease-bearing organisms, snakes, weeds, and other pests is the single greatest threat to Hawaii's economy and natural environment and to the health and lifestyle of Hawaii's people. The legislature further finds that immediate action is needed to mitigate the threats and impacts of invasive species. Studies and experience show that preventing introduction and spread of pests is more cost effective than reactive responses or simply absorbing the economic, social, cultural, and ecological losses caused by established pests that are allowed to spread unchecked. A continued commitment to having the best possible understanding, science, plans, capacity, and appropriated funds is necessary to maintain and enhance invasive species prevention and mitigation in Hawaii to effectively protect Hawaii's natural resources, economy, and the health and lifestyle of its people.

SECTION 5. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $6,000,000 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 projects undertaken in accordance with the Hawaii invasive species council, including but not limited to invasive species prevention, control, outreach, research, and planning.

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

PART IV

SECTION 6. The legislature finds that additional resources are necessary for emergency response and preparedness for natural disasters. Events such as flooding, hurricanes, and wildfires are expected to increase in frequency and severity as climate change accelerates. Hawaii's responders need access to new technologies developed to increase efficiency and effectiveness of detection of and response to these types of natural disasters that affect natural environments, as well as public safety.

SECTION 7. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,500,000 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 equipment for fire, natural disaster, and emergency response.

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

PART V

SECTION 8. The legislature finds that in order to foster "A Culture of Sustainability - He Nohona ‘Ae‘oia", Hawaii's residents and visitors need to enjoy and connect with the natural environment. Visiting natural areas cultivates respect and appreciation for Hawaii's natural and cultural heritage and Hawaii's natural resources. Being in natural environments provides a source of exercise and may significantly reduce stress and depression, increase ability to focus attention, strengthen the immune system, and improve longevity. Hawaii's iconic trails and natural areas are a major destination and economic driver. Statewide, improvements are needed to address deteriorating conditions of public access areas, particularly high-use trails frequented by visitors. Further, development, particularly in rural areas, can restrict access points for the public to hike, gather, and hunt in public lands. Funding is needed to improve the infrastructure and access necessary to connect people to the natural environment that provides so many benefits to the health of Hawaii's people and economy.

SECTION 9. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,000,000 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 forest and outdoor recreation improvements.

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

PART VI

SECTION 10. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2015.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	544
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015
STATE OF HAWAII