Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Economic Development and Science, Arts, and Technology, to which was referred S.B. No. 724 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The primary purpose of this measure is to require the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council (Council) to encourage development of education resources integrating the existing facilities of He'eia State Park, King Intermediate School, and the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from Friends of He'eia State Park. The Board of Land and Natural Resources submitted testimony in opposition to this measure. The Department of Education submitted comments.

Your Committees find that the geographic and marine features of the Kaneohe Bay area are unique and should be preserved and protected as much as possible. Public education programs are an important component of environmental protection; since many of our natural resources are open and available to the public, it is important that the public have an awareness and appreciation of the fragility of our ecosystem.

Therefore, your Committees support this measure, which will lead to increased public exposure to, and appreciation of, the ecological and cultural assets of Kaneohe Bay.

Your Committees are mindful that the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) has been providing administrative support, without compensation, to the Council. Your Committees further note that the Department of Education may be a more appropriate agency to pursue this initiative. However, your Committees are hopeful that your Committee on Ways and Means will find some funding for DOBOR to support this important program (this measure contains a blank appropriation section).

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Economic Development and Science, Arts, and Technology that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 724 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.