Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy, Environment, and International Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 1262 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require that an environmental impact statement be performed for ocean resources and state parks in the area between Kalaeloa and Kaena point on the island of Oahu, and to appropriate funds for that purpose.

Testimony in support of the measure was received from the Waianae Coast Neighborhood Board, the Wild Dolphin Foundation, the Life of the Land, and four individuals. Testimony in opposition to the measure was submitted by the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

Your Committee finds that a comprehensive study and inventory of nearshore and shoreline resources along the Waianae coast is necessary to help determine present and future actions to preserve the environmental and natural integrity of the area while accommodating those who use and enjoy these resources. While your Committee acknowledges current efforts to resolve nearshore user conflicts along the Waianae Coast, it believes a more comprehensive planning tool is needed to address the long-term future of the area.

Your Committee has amended this measure by designating the document to be produced as a baseline study that shall include information that is found in an environmental impact statement (EIS). Thus, the document will not be subject to the steps in an EIS review process under chapter 343, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy, Environment, and International Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1262, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1262, S.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.