THE SENATE |
S.C.R. NO. |
186 |
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2021 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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SENATE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION
 
 
DESIGNATING APRIL AS TREE AWARENESS MONTH IN THE STATE OF HAWAII.
 
 
        WHEREAS, trees have been identified as an important tool to combat global climate change, reduce society's carbon footprint, and help communities become healthier; and
 
        WHEREAS, trees, commonly described as the lungs of the Earth, contribute to the environment by cleaning the air, removing odors and pollutant gases, filtering particulates, and removing and storing carbon while releasing oxygen back into the air; and
 
        WHEREAS, trees cool heat-absorbing streets and buildings up to ten degrees Fahrenheit by releasing water vapor into the air through their leaves, which encourages residents to enjoy the outdoors, thereby improving their health, and contributing to more vital communities; and
 
        WHEREAS, studies show that trees in urban areas also encourage residents to spend more time outdoors under the canopy of trees where they can immerse themselves in a forest-like environment and soak in the atmosphere through their senses to achieve a feeling of rejuvenation; and
 
        WHEREAS, trees reduce UV-B exposure by almost fifty percent which provides protection to children from exposure to ultra violet rays on school campuses and playgrounds where they spend hours outdoors; and
 
        WHEREAS, well-documented studies confirm the positive effects of trees on people's health and productivity, some of which include faster recovery times from surgery, lower blood pressure levels, higher performance and productivity for those with views of trees outside of their offices, and higher test scores and graduation rates for students with trees outside their school windows, as trees have been found to aid in concentration by reducing mental fatigue; and
 
        WHEREAS, trees in our island state are a crucial part of sustainable living and agricultural economy through the harvesting of agricultural products such as fruit and wood, which helps create green jobs for our residents and greater opportunities for small businesses; and
 
        WHEREAS, in our tourism-based economy, trees and landscaping contribute to the beauty of our urban areas and create a welcoming environment that attracts tourists, thereby increasing the flow of business to those areas; and
 
        WHEREAS, the United States Department of Agriculture reported that street trees increase property values and that planting large trees along streets, sidewalks, and parking lots also help absorb heat, energy, and dust; mask concrete walls and unsightly views; muffle sounds from freeways; create an eye-soothing canopy of green; and foster civic pride within neighborhoods; and
 
        WHEREAS, state and community organizations have endeavored to foster knowledge and awareness of trees, and collectively have declared that "trees literally hold our island state together, helping define our island sense of place, that special connection between our diverse cultures and the environment, the land and its people"; and
 
        WHEREAS, according to Dr. Camilo Mora of Mora Lab of the Geography and Environment Department at the University of Hawaii who heads the Carbon Neutrality Project, Arbor Day is but one day to help raise awareness of trees and designating the entire month of April as Tree Awareness Month would raise greater awareness and adequately recognize the multitude of benefits and importance trees have, particularly in an island state that depends heavily upon sustainability and tourism; and
 
        WHEREAS, the public should be encouraged to learn more about the value of trees and designating April as Tree Awareness Month would be an appropriate way to honor trees while also providing community building and educational and economic opportunities through planned events; now, therefore,
 
        BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-first Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2021, the House of Representatives concurring, that April shall be designated as Tree Awareness Month in the State of Hawaii; and
 
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Chairperson of Board of Land and Natural Resources, and mayors of all counties.
 
 
 
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OFFERED BY: |
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Report Title:  
April Tree Awareness Month