Report Title:

Hawaiian Outrigger Canoes; State Shoreline Areas

Description:

Permits Hawaiian outrigger canoes to be kept on state shoreline areas at no charge by the State. (HB125 CD1)

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

125

TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2005

H.D. 2

STATE OF HAWAII

S.D. 1

 

C.D. 1


A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

RELATING TO OCEAN RESOURCES.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. Outrigger canoe paddling developed and spread across the coastal cultures of the Pacific Rim about thirty thousand years ago, and played an integral part in the survival and transmigration of these ancient cultures.

Now, over a thousand years later, Hawaiian outrigger canoes have evolved into sleek racing boats. The first formal association, the Hawaiian Canoe Racing & Surf Association, chartered in 1950, is now known as the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (HCRA). There are now numerous organizations and numerous Hawaiian outrigger canoe-racing clubs throughout the Hawaiian islands.

Hawaiian outrigger canoe racing has obtained global popularity. Hawaiian outrigger canoe racing in Hawaii draws teams from England, Hungary, Germany, Japan, Canada, Tonga, Samoa, Guam, Tahiti, Australia, and the continental United States. However, perpetuation of the sport comes with considerable expense.

The sport of Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddling has significant historical and cultural importance to the State. The expansion of the sport is in no small part due to the numerous individuals and organizations that have contributed their time, money, and energies to perpetuate and inspire its continued growth. The legislature believes that these selfless individuals and organizations should be recognized, and that Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddling, the official team sport of the State, must be supported and encouraged.

The purpose of this Act is to authorize Hawaiian outrigger canoe clubs registered with the HCRA to keep their canoes on state shoreline areas.

SECTION 2. Chapter 200, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§200-   Hawaiian outrigger canoes on state shoreline areas. Hawaiian outrigger canoe clubs registered with the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association, Hui Wa'a Association, its affiliates, or its successor organization may keep their Hawaiian outrigger canoes at no charge on state shoreline areas; provided that:

(1) The club shall indemnify, hold harmless, and defend

the State, its officers, agents, and employees from and against any and all claims arising out of or resulting from activities carried out or undertaken under this section, and shall procure sufficient insurance to provide this indemnification if requested by the department;

(2) The club shall coordinate the placement of canoes with the applicable state or county authority to appropriately accommodate all beach users; and

(3) Where required, the club shall secure an annual revocable permit from the applicable state or county agency."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.