Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 2249, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require the Department of Land and Natural Resources to utilize its powers of eminent domain to acquire lands adjacent to the Mookini Heiau to provide public access and for its protection and preservation.

Your Committee finds that if not properly recognized, over time, many historic sites like heiaus are forgotten and neglected. Kohala has some of the State's most valuable historic sites as the area is closely connected with the Kamehameha lineage. The Mookini Heiau and the surrounding area therefore are of particular importance to Hawaii's history and its native Hawaiians. This bill seeks to facilitate the preservation, access, and protection of this area by providing adequate buffers around the sites, accurate land dimensions, and clear title, so that future generations will be able to access and appreciate the historic significance of the area.

Your Committee has amended this bill by changing the effective date to July 1, 2051 to ensure continued discussion of this matter.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2249, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2249, S.D. 2.