Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 118 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Legislative Reference Bureau to study the feasibility of a water quality monitoring program for marine waters emphasizing environmental protection.

Specifically, this measure calls for a study to address: placement of a monitoring program within the appropriate agency; legislation to provide enforcement powers; and possible sources of funding, including "impact fees" generated from polluting activities.

The Department of Health, Hawaii Audubon Society, and eight individuals submitted testimony in support of this measure. The Legislative Reference Bureau and Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaii submitted comments on this measure.

Your Committee finds that water quality monitoring beyond human safety standards as regulated by the Department of Health are needed. This measure begins the study of appropriate standards and implementation to take that next step.

Your Committee has amended this measure by more specifically requesting that the Legislative Reference Bureau consult with appropriate local and state agencies, scientists and experts, and environmental organizations who in turn are requested to cooperate with and assist the Legislative Reference Bureau to the extent of their ability, and by making other technical nonsubstantive amendments for purposes of clarity and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 118, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as H.C.R. No. 118, H.D. 1.