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HCR 91

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES AND DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO COLLABORATE TO ESTABLISH A FORMAL, LONG-TERM COLLABORATIVE PROGRAM TO EXPAND, EQUITABLY DISTRIBUTE, AND SUSTAIN TREE-CANOPY COVERAGE ACROSS PUBLIC SCHOOLS STATE WIDE.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 12 co-sponsors

Hawaii requests inter-agency collaboration to expand and equitably distribute tree canopy across public schools statewide through a formal long-term program.

Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 552).
#publicschools #treecanopy
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Bill Summary · HCR 91

Legislative bill overview

HCR 91 requests that Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and Department of Education (DOE) jointly establish a formal, long-term collaborative program to expand tree-canopy coverage across public schools statewide. The bill emphasizes equitable distribution of trees and sustainable maintenance practices to ensure lasting environmental benefits.

Why is this important

Tree canopy in schools provides documented benefits including reduced heat exposure, improved air quality, mental health benefits for students, and lower cooling costs for school facilities. Hawaii's hot climate makes shade particularly valuable, and equitable distribution ensures all communities—not just wealthy districts—benefit from these environmental improvements.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding and implementation costs: The bill requests collaboration but doesn't specify budget allocation, leaving unclear how tree planting, maintenance, and replacement will be funded long-term
  • Maintenance responsibility and sustainability: Establishing "long-term" programs requires ongoing commitment; departments must clarify who maintains trees, replaces diseased ones, and funds operations across hundreds of schools
  • Land constraints and species selection: Hawaii's varied microclimates and limited school property may restrict where trees can be planted; native species requirements could increase costs versus faster-growing alternatives

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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