HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-16 KCDP Action Committee Testimony - SB2372 SD2 WAL
County of Hawai‘i
KONA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE
Aupuni Center • 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 • Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720 (808) 961-8288 • Fax (808) 961-8742
www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer planning@hawaiicounty.gov
C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D.
Mayor
John Pelletier, Chair Raymond Kirchner Vacant Shane Palacat-Nelsen Charles Young Nancy Pisicchio, Vice Chair Charla Thompson
Vacant Roselyn Molina
March 16, 2026
Chair Mark J. Hashem
Vice Chair Dee Morikawa House Committee on Water & Land RE: Strong Support for S.B. 2372 SD2, Relating to Trees
DATE: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 TIME: 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: State Capitol, Conference Room 411 415 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Hashem, Vice Chair Morikawa, and Members of the House Committee on Water & Land:
The Kona Community Development Plan (CDP) Action Committee respectfully submits
this written testimony in strong support of S.B. 2372 SD2, Relating to Trees. This measure strengthens Hawaiʻi’s ability to identify, preserve, and steward exceptional and significant trees by establishing baseline selection criteria and supporting a more coordinated implementation framework. The Committee supports this bill’s efforts to
improve consistency in the Exceptional Trees Program and to reinforce collaboration among the State, counties, and qualified advisory bodies. Article XI of the Constitution of the State of Hawaiʻi calls for the conservation and protection of Hawaiʻi’s natural beauty and resources for present and future generations.
In the same spirit, the first Guiding Principle of the Kona CDP is to protect Kona’s natural resources. Trees are among the most visible, valuable, and irreplaceable of those resources.
Kona CDP Action Committee Testimony S.B. 2372, SD2
March 16, 2026 Page 2 of 2
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The Legislature’s passage of the Exceptional Tree Act in 1974 recognized that exceptional trees on both public and private lands deserve protection from improper
trimming, damage, and unnecessary removal. S.B. 2372, SD2 builds upon that legacy by
providing clearer standards and stronger support for the ongoing care and preservation of these important community assets. This bill is consistent with the Environmental Resources goals, policies, and actions of
the Kona CDP. As Chapter 4.3.2 explains, Kona’s growing ecological awareness must be
matched by informed policies that protect and manage our diverse natural resources. Exceptional and significant trees advance that vision. They enhance open spaces, serve as cultural and visual landmarks, strengthen community character, and provide important
environmental benefits such as shade, urban canopy protection, groundwater filtration,
and support for healthy rainfall patterns. Their preservation also aligns with Kona CDP Policy LU-2.5 (Village Design Guidelines), which calls for incorporating natural and cultural features into the community.
Recognizing and protecting exceptional trees reflects our community’s commitment to
safeguarding one of Kona’s most valuable natural resources. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this measure.
Sincerely,
John Pelletier, Chair
Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee JH \\hawaiicounty.gov\depts\PL\PL\planning\public\wpwin60\CDP\CDP - Kona\Action Committee\Meetings\2026\2026 Letters
2026-03-12 KCDP AC Letter - SB2372 SD2
Final Audit Report 2026-03-17
Created:2026-03-17
By:Janice Hata (Janice.Hata@hawaiicounty.gov)
Status:Signed
Transaction ID:CBJCHBCAABAApDTExo4Du7RF8eoRdVHUG80f65Dwbbu-
"2026-03-12 KCDP AC Letter - SB2372 SD2" History
Document created by Janice Hata (Janice.Hata@hawaiicounty.gov)
2026-03-17 - 0:06:41 AM GMT
Document emailed to John Pelletier (jdp2766@gmail.com) for signature
2026-03-17 - 0:06:46 AM GMT
Email viewed by John Pelletier (jdp2766@gmail.com)
2026-03-17 - 0:12:42 AM GMT
Document e-signed by John Pelletier (jdp2766@gmail.com)
Signature Date: 2026-03-17 - 0:13:58 AM GMT - Time Source: server
Agreement completed.
2026-03-17 - 0:13:58 AM GMT