Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 1451, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to develop comprehensive watershed management strategies and conduct a pilot demonstration of constructed wetland designs for the entire Lake Wilson catchment on the island of Oahu.

This measure also appropriates unspecified moneys from the environmental response revolving fund for strategy development in fiscal year 2005-2006 and the pilot demonstration project in 2006-2007.

Your Committee recognizes that cost-effective comprehensive watershed management is necessary to preserve Hawaii's environment, ecosystems, and water quality. Constructed wetlands reduce contamination in waterways, thus providing ecological benefits, improved downstream water quality, coastal zone and coral reef protection, the preservation of wildlife habitats, and the protection of native species. Constructed wetlands also create aesthetically pleasing areas for the community and contribute to a tourism friendly environment.

Your Committee has amended this bill by making technical nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1451, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1451, S.D. 2.