Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Water, Land, and Agriculture and Intergovernmental Affairs, to which was referred S.R. No. 81 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request participation in the federal program to assist states in obtaining scrapped federal ships to use as artificial reefs.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Maritime Consultants of the Pacific, and two individuals submitted testimony in support of this measure.

Scrap metal vessels or concrete structures are often used to create artificial reefs in marine environments. Your Committees find that these artificial reefs provide an ideal habitat for marine life such as fish and coral to propagate and proliferate, enhancing fish populations, marine ecosystems, and recreational opportunities for the surrounding ocean area. Thus, this measure requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources to actively participate in the federal program to utilize scrapped federal ships for artificial reefs.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Water, Land, and Agriculture and Intergovernmental Affairs that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 81 and recommend its adoption.