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SCR 149

REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL TO CONVENE A VEGETATION MANAGEMENT WORKING GROUP TO STUDY, EVALUATE, AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REGULATIONS THAT DEFINE THE RESPECTIVE OBLIGATIONS OF PROPERTY OWNERS, LESSEES, LICENSEES, PERMITTEES, AND HOLDERS OF EASEMENTS FOR ACCESS, UTILITY, OR OTHER PURPOSES, FOR VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ON PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY TO MITIGATE WILDFIRE RISK, AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS THAT DEFINE A LINE CLEARANCE TREE TRIMMER AND ESTABLISH MINIMUM SAFETY STANDARDS, TRAINING, AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS PERFORMING LINE CLEARANCE TREE TRIMMING AT OR NEAR ELECTRIC UTILITY FACILITIES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lorraine Inouye

Hawaii requests its State Fire Marshal convene a working group to develop vegetation management regulations and safety standards for tree trimming near electrical facilities to reduce wildfire risk.

Re-referred to WAL, referral sheet 29
#vegetationmanagementworkinggroup #wildfires
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Bill Summary · SCR 149

Legislative bill overview

SCR 149 requests Hawaii's State Fire Marshal to establish a working group that will study and develop recommendations for vegetation management regulations on public and private property. The working group would define who is responsible for vegetation management (property owners, lessees, utility companies, etc.), establish safety standards for tree trimming near electrical facilities, and create qualifications for line clearance workers.

Why is this important

Wildfire risk in Hawaii has increased significantly, with vegetation near power lines and on private property contributing to fire spread and ignition. Clear regulations and safety standards could reduce fire hazards while protecting workers performing tree trimming operations near electrical infrastructure, potentially preventing both catastrophic wildfires and workplace injuries.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost allocation: Determining whether property owners or utility companies bear the financial burden of vegetation management could be contentious, particularly for large landholdings or utility corridors
  • Regulatory scope: Balancing stricter vegetation management requirements with property rights and agricultural/forestry operations may face resistance from landowners and industry groups
  • Implementation timeline: Creating new worker certification and training requirements could increase labor costs and workforce availability challenges for tree trimming and utility maintenance services

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

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