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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.R. NO. |
15 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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HOUSE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, non-native grasses and shrubs are highly flammable and increase the risk of wildfires; and
WHEREAS, native plants have higher moisture content and slower burn rates than invasive species; and
WHEREAS, green fire breaks use natural ecology and resilient plants to stop the spread of wildfires; and
WHEREAS, planting fire-resistant vegetation in green fire breaks make communities more resilient and prepared for emergencies; and
WHEREAS, green fire breaks create buffer zones that slow the spread of wildfires and allow more time for emergency responders to react to hazardous conditions, residents to evacuate safely, and necessary warnings to be disseminated; and
WHEREAS, West Oahu is particularly vulnerable to wildfires because of the dry weather patterns, encroaching urban developments, and geographic conditions of steep slopes and non-native plant life; and
WHEREAS, the Hawaii Statewide Geographic Information System Program identifies West Oahu and the Leeward region as having a high fire risk rating; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the City and County of Honolulu are urged to implement green fire breaks in West Oahu to mitigate the risk of wildfires; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, Chair of the State Fire Council of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, and Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu.
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OFFERED BY: |
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