HI
Hawaii Senate Bill SB1561
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
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Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SB1561

Introduced
1/23/25  
Refer
1/27/25  

Caption

Relating To Vegetation Management.

Impact

The legislation aims to amend the Hawaii Revised Statutes by introducing a new chapter on vegetation management. This chapter lays out definitive measures such as the establishment of defensible spaces, the definition of hazardous vegetation, and specific clearance requirements near power lines to prevent potential ignition sources. The Department of Land and Natural Resources will be responsible for enforcing these standards, indicating a shift towards more stringent control measures regarding vegetation management in the State of Hawaii.

Summary

SB1561, relating to vegetation management, addresses the rising threats posed by wildfires in Hawaii due to climate change and drought conditions. The bill establishes a framework for comprehensive vegetation management to mitigate wildfire risks that endanger public safety, property, and critical infrastructure. It includes provisions for property owners to clear flammable vegetation near structures and for utilities to maintain clear firebreaks around electrical infrastructures.

Contention

Some notable points of contention surrounding SB1561 include the potential financial implications for property owners and utilities who do not comply with the new regulations, which may involve significant fines and liability for damages caused by negligent vegetation management. Environmental advocates may also express concerns regarding the balancing act between fire safety and preserving native plant species. Moreover, the bill stipulates that any hazardous vegetation could be deemed a public nuisance, which raises questions about the enforcement mechanisms and the rights of property owners in managing their lands.

Latest HI SB1561 Activity

View All Events: HI 2026 Regular Session SB1561

Companion Bills

HI SB1561

Carry Over Relating To Vegetation Management.

Previously Filed As

HI SB1561

Relating To Vegetation Management.

HI SB11

Relating To Vegetation Management Near Utility Lines.

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 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 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 SB1297

Relating To Vegetative Burning.

HI SB830

Relating To Coastal Zone Management.

HI SB755

Relating To Special Management Areas.

HI SB353

Relating To Emergency Management.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.