STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1106-00

                                 Honolulu, Hawaii
                                                   , 2000

                                 RE: H.C.R. No. 103
                                     




Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say
Speaker, House of Representatives
Twentieth State Legislature
Regular Session of 2000
State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ocean Recreation and Marine Resources, to
which was referred H.C.R. No. 103 entitled: 

     "HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING A STUDY OF THE
     IMPACT THAT COMMERCIAL MARINE MAMMAL WATCHING TOURS MAY HAVE
     ON MARINE MAMMALS IN WATERS OFF THE WAIANAE COAST OF OAHU,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this concurrent resolution is to request the
Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), to conduct a
study of the marine mammal population off the Waianae Coast.
This study will determine what, if any, effect commercial marine
mammal watching tours may have on behavior patterns of marine
mammals in the area.

     This study will allow DLNR to determine the maximum number
of commercial use permits that should be issued for marine mammal
watching tours, and to determine the feasibility of issuing
commercial use permits for specific rather than unspecified ocean
recreational activities.  The DLNR will also be requested to
review existing and ongoing research about the effects that human
activity may have on marine mammals.  

     Your Committee received testimony in favor of this measure
from the Marine Mammal Research Program, Dolphin Excursions
Hawaii, the Hawaiian Political Action Council of Hawaii, and
several concerned individuals.  The DLNR supported the intent of
this resolution.


 
 
                                 STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1106-00
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     While your Committee realizes that DLNR does not have the
necessary resources to conduct this study, by passing this
concurrent resolution it hopes to show that marine mammals are a
high priority to the State of Hawaii, thereby making it easier
for researchers to receive grants and funding. 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your
Committee on Ocean Recreation and Marine Resources that is
attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent
and purpose of H.C.R. No. 103 and recommends that it be referred
to the Committee on Finance.

                                   Respectfully submitted on
                                   behalf of the members of the
                                   Committee on Ocean Recreation
                                   and Marine Resources,



                                   ______________________________
                                   ROY M. TAKUMI, Chair