Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Hawaiian Affairs, Housing, and Water, Land, & Ocean Resources, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 178, S.D. 1, entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this concurrent resolution is to support the efforts of the current lessees of Waiahole and Waikane Valleys in Windward Oahu to continue to occupy their residential and agricultural lots. This measure:

Many residents of Waiahole and Waikane Valleys testified in support of this concurrent resolution. HCDCH and DHHL offered comments.

Your Committees find that in 1998, tenants of Waiahole and Waikane Valleys negotiated long-term leases for residential and agricultural lots with the State. However, in 2004, HCDCH, the lessor, agreed to transfer its fee interest in properties in Waiahole Valley to DHHL. Tenants are concerned that DHHL will eventually seek to evict lessees in Waiahole Valley.

Your Committees have amended this concurrent resolution by:

Based on the testimony, your Committees encourage increased communication between HCDCH, the Waiahole-Waikane Community Association, and others as it relates to this issue.

Finally your Committees note that the Legislature recognizes the need to sustain the agriculture productivity of the lands of Waiahole and Waikane Valleys. Furthermore, this issue represents the recognition of the farmers' commitment to agriculture and is a symbol of the kind of interdependent community that many of us strive for.

The unique interrelationship of the residents of the Waiahole-Waikane community is a perfect example of the kind of lifestyle valued in Hawaii that needs to be sustained.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Hawaiian Affairs, Housing, and Water, Land, & Ocean Resources that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 178, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommend its adoption in the form attached hereto as S.C.R. No. 178, S.D. 1, H.D. 1.