Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water, Land Use, and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 179 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to appropriate funds to purchase a 1.24-acre parcel of sacred native Hawaiian grounds between Keolonahiki state park and Keakealaniwahine complex.

Keolonahiki state park, Keakealaniwahine complex, and the 1.24-acre parcel of land in North Kona, comprise a native Hawaiian sacred grounds area traditionally known as Kaluaokalani, "The Second Heaven". The Keakealaniwahine complex will soon be transferred to the state parks division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). The 1.24-acre parcel is at the center of Kaluaokalani.

Your Committee finds that the area is under imminent threat from a proposed three-story, thirteen-unit real estate development. Administrators of state parks and the state historic preservation division have opposed the proposed development due to the adverse impact on the historic area and connecting visual corridors. The acquisition of this 1.24-acre parcel will preserve the integrity of this significant native Hawaiian sacred grounds.

Hui Laulima O Kekaha Kai, Ka Lahui Hawaii, Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs and the Trust for Public Lands testified in support of this measure. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the intent of this bill. DLNR commented on this measure.

DLNR was requested by your Committee to consider land exchange possibilities and to seek matching federal land and water conservation funds.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Deleting the sum of $1,000,000 from this bill; and

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land Use, and Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 179, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 179, H.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Finance.