Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water, Land, Energy and Environment, to which was referred S.R. No. 67 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Department of Land and Natural Resources to keep the Legislature apprised of the development of the Reserve Operations Plan for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve.

Testimony in support of this measure was received from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, and Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Your Committee finds that DLNR has been assigned the lead role in coordination with federal agencies on the development of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve Operations Plan. While state waters are not currently included within the boundaries of the Reserve, the State has a seat, appointed by the Governor, on the newly formed Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve Advisory Council.

Your Committee further finds that DLNR will work with all other state agencies as the Reserve Operations Plan development progresses, including consideration of all activities within the Reserve and within State waters. Your Committee finds this to be an important undertaking and looks forward to receiving reports on the status of Reserve Operations Plan.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land, Energy and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 67 and recommends its adoption.