RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, there are five natural bodies of water that discharge into the Hilo Bay: Wailoa River, Wailuku River, Pukihae Stream, Pohakaunanaka Stream, and Maili Stream; and

WHEREAS, Wailoa Small Boar Harbor, located at the Wailoa River mouth, has economical importance for East Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, Wailoa Small Boat Harbor provides important access to the ocean, landing of fish, and commercial activities for the general public, tourists, power boaters, sail boaters, jet ski operators, canoes, and kayaks; and

WHEREAS, the Wailoa River discharges into Hilo Bay and is one of the major sources of sediment running into Hilo Bay; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Land and Natural Resources is responsible to maintain safe passage for vessels' ingress and egress from the Wailoa Small Boat Harbor to Hilo Bay; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2006, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to study and recommend solutions to abate and prevent the accumulation of sediment at Wailoa Small Boat Harbor and along the Hilo bayfront; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to consult with interested and resourceful parties, including but not limited to the Department of Transportation; Department of Health; United States Department of Agriculture; United States Corp of Engineers; State Department of Agriculture; soil, water, and conservation agencies of Hawaii County; and the Economic Development Alliance of Hawaii; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Land and Natural Resources report its findings and recommendations 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 the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, Director of Transportation, Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture, Director of Health; United States Department of Agriculture, United States Corp of Engineers, Mayor of Hawaii County, and the Economic Development Alliance of Hawaii.

Report Title:

Wailoa River and Hilo Bay Sediment; DLNR Recommendations