Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water, Land, and Agriculture, to which was referred S.B. No. 1547 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to expand the definition of "marine activities" to include "marine industries".

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the Building Industry Association of Hawaii. The Department of Agriculture submitted testimony in support but with some concerns regarding possible limitations on offshore mariculture.

Your Committee finds that this measure simply expands upon the current definition of "marine activities" in section 190D-3, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and does not in any way limit or restrict ongoing or future mariculture activities. This definition is to be interpreted broadly so as to increase rather than to restrict departmental authority.

Your Committee also finds that approval of this measure would further the work begun previously by your Committee and the 1999 Legislature by encouraging economic development, and clarifying and streamlining the procedure for the leasing of the oceans and submerged lands.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land, and Agriculture that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1547 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.