RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Hawaiian islands are rich with historical and cultural heritage; and

WHEREAS, as an island state, it is difficult for Hawaii's youth to travel, experience, and study the various parts of the State and to access many of the resources available, particularly on Oahu; and

WHEREAS, the continually increasing cost of inter-island airfare has made travel between the islands even more difficult and cost prohibitive; and

WHEREAS, although the planned Hawaii Superferry to provide an inter-island ferry service between the islands at affordable rates may bring some relief, it is also important for the State to ensure adequate accommodations for residents who travel inter-island; and

WHEREAS, one type of affordable accommodation that has widespread appeal in the State is camping; and

WHEREAS, if campsites are available, especially at or near inter-island ferry ports, more residents would be willing to travel and explore the islands; and

WHEREAS, in order to ensure that both publicly and privately funded campsites can be developed, particularly in conjunction with the inter-island ferry, in an efficient manner, camping and campsites with parking should be allowed within agricultural districts; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2006, the Senate concurring, that the Department of Agriculture is requested to study the feasibility of allowing camping within state agricultural districts and, if feasible, to specify under what conditions camping should be allowed; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Agriculture is requested not to include bed and breakfast establishments and trailer camps in the definition of "camping" for purposes of its study; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Agriculture is requested to consult with the Department of Land and Natural Resources as needed to and report its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2007; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture and the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

Report Title:

State Agricultural Lands; Camping