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 S.B. No. 2973, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to help protect Hawaii's natural resources by authorizing the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to adopt interim rules to protect native species threatened with imminent destruction or extinction.

DLNR, Sierra Club-Hawaii Chapter, and Hawaii Audubon Society testified in support of this bill.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii's unique natural resources demand the highest level of protection from extinction. Hawaii bears the unfortunate distinction of being recognized as the "Endangered Species Capital" of the world. This situation is due, in large part, to the uniqueness of our land and aquatic species, our high biodiversity relative to our limited land and coastal areas, and the proximity to inhabited areas of many of our complex habitats and ecosystems.

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 S.B. No. 2973, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Judiciary.