Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water, Land Use, and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 2303 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purposes of this measure are to:

Supporting testimony was received from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Kamehameha Schools, and the Mo`okini Luakini Corporation. The Department of Land and Natural Resources opposed this bill, on the basis that an administrative solution can be arranged and legislation is not necessary.

Your Committee on Water, Land Use, and Hawaiian Affairs notes that the State owns the Kohala historical sites state monument that includes the Mo`okini Luakini, Kamehameha birthsite, Kukuipahu Heiau, and the historical sites at Mahukona. This state monument is an invaluable cultural asset for all the people of Hawaii. Act 166, Session Laws of Hawaii 1992, sought to preserve and protect the state monument by the acquisition, by purchase or exchange, of additional lands adjacent to the state monument for purposes of adding a protective buffer area and to ensure adequate public access to the state monument.

Your committee was most encouraged to learn that the Kamehameha Schools, in recognition of the heiau's historical significance, as well as its cultural and educational value, is negotiating for a land exchange or purchase to provide the needed access and buffer for the heiau. However, the results of these negotiations are uncertain at this time, so that it remains prudent to retain the provisions for state acquisition in this bill.

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. 2303 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Finance.