Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water, Land, and Agriculture, to which was referred S.B. No. 3128 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate moneys to purchase the Pupukea-Paumalu area on the north shore of Oahu.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Hawaii Audubon Society, North Shore Community Land Trust, Hawaii Chapter of the Sierra Club, Stewards of Waimea Valley, Oahu Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, Trust for Public Land, Vietnam Veterans V.F.W. Post 10583, and one hundred nineteen individuals. Testimony in opposition to this measure was submitted by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and one individual. Comments were also submitted by Life of the Land.

Your Committee finds that the Pupukea-Paumalu area on the north shore of Oahu consists of one thousand one hundred ten acres and is bordered by the Paumalu gulch, Pupukea-Paumalu forest reserve, and the Kalunawaikaala gulch and stream. The Pupukea-Paumalu area includes important coastal scenic views of the Koolau and Waianae mountain ranges, in addition to a wide variety of cultural, historic, environmental, open space, visual, and recreational resources.

Your Committee further finds that the Pupukea-Paumalu area's unique features attract tourists to the north shore of Oahu and provides economic support for the rural community. Additionally, the area creates a buffer between the north shore community and the extensive military activity in the surrounding area. There are also two state water reserves and several watersheds located within the boundaries of the area.

Your Committee finds that the Pupukea-Paumalu area is presently being offered for sale, and your Committee believes that the State should seize the opportunity to obtain this unique and valuable parcel. The bill empowers the DLNR to determine the best option to obtain the land, including a land exchange or a public-private partnership.

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. 3128 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.