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Hawaii House Bill HR132
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
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Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR132

Introduced
3/16/26  
Refer
3/18/26  
Report Pass
4/2/26  
Refer
4/2/26  
Report Pass
4/9/26  

Caption

Urging State Agencies That Own Or Control Land In West Maui To Implement And Enforce Aggressive Vegetation Management, Fuel Reduction, Defensible Space, And Emergency Access Measures To Reduce Wildfire Risk To Lahaina And Surrounding Communities.

Impact

The resolution represents a critical shift in state policy towards proactive wildfire management, directly responding to community concerns highlighted by the recent wildfires. By urging multiple state agencies—including the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and the Department of Education—to prioritize the abatement of hazardous vegetation and improvement of emergency access routes, HR132 aims to create a comprehensive risk reduction strategy. This includes the establishment of fuel breaks and inspections of evacuation routes which are essential for the safety of residents, especially those living in temporary housing following the disaster.

Summary

House Resolution 132 urges state agencies controlling land in West Maui to implement aggressive vegetation management and fuel reduction measures to mitigate wildfire risks, particularly after the catastrophic wildfires in Lahaina in August 2023. The resolution emphasizes the need for effective defensible space and emergency access improvements. Following the passing of Act 302 in 2025, which established the Office of the State Fire Marshal to oversee wildfire risk assessments, this resolution seeks to galvanize action among state bodies responsible for vulnerable lands in the area.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR132 is one of urgency and necessity. Many community members and officials have expressed a strong desire for immediate action to prevent future tragedies. The bill is supported broadly by those who view ecological management as essential to safeguarding lives and property. Conversely, some concerns have been raised about potential bureaucratic delays and the sufficiency of funding and resources allocated to implement these measures effectively.

Contention

One notable point of contention is the extent of state intervention required in effectively managing vegetation and ensuring fire readiness. Some stakeholders worry about the state overstepping and interfering with local governance or community initiatives. There are also discussions around balancing immediate responses to wildfire risks with long-term ecological impacts of aggressive vegetation management, highlighting the complexity of fire management strategy in an environment where community safety must align with land-use policies.

Latest HI HR132 Activity

View All Events: HI 2026 Regular Session HR132

Companion Bills

HI SR175

Same As Urging State Agencies That Own Or Control Land In West Maui To Implement And Enforce Aggressive Vegetation Management, Fuel Reduction, Defensible Space, And Emergency Access Measures To Reduce Wildfire Risk To Lahaina And Surrounding Communities.

HI HCR140

Same As Urging State Agencies That Own Or Control Land In West Maui To Implement And Enforce Aggressive Vegetation Management, Fuel Reduction, Defensible Space, And Emergency Access Measures To Reduce Wildfire Risk To Lahaina And Surrounding Communities.

Previously Filed As

HI HR62

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 Property Owner Obligations 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.

HI HR15

Urging The Department Of Land And Natural Resources And City And County Of Honolulu To Implement Green Fire Breaks In West Oahu To Mitigate The Risk Of Wildfires.

HI HCR69

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 Property Owner Obligations 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.

HI HCR15

Urging The Department Of Land And Natural Resources And City And County Of Honolulu To Implement Green Fire Breaks In West Oahu To Mitigate The Risk Of Wildfires.

HI SCR149

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.

HI SR120

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.

HI SB1561

Relating To Vegetation Management.

HI SB11

Relating To Vegetation Management Near Utility Lines.

HI SCR84

Urging The County Of Maui, In Conjunction With The Maui Emergency Management Agency, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, And Department Of Defense, To Conduct Real-time Wildfire And Other Disaster Drills Involving The Maui Community.

HI SR67

Urging The County Of Maui, In Conjunction With The Maui Emergency Management Agency, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, And Department Of Defense, To Conduct Real-time Wildfire And Other Disaster Drills Involving The Maui Community.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.