Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water, Land, & Ocean Resources, to which was referred H.B. No. 1549 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to improve the overall physical condition of the Ala Wai Watershed in Honolulu by taking steps to reduce soil erosion and water pollution, improve the absorption capability of the land, and mitigate flooding. This bill authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds and appropriates funds for a variety of soil conservation projects in Palolo Valley, lower Waahila Ridge, as well as the entire Ala Wai Watershed.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources supported the intent of this bill but preferred projects included in the Administration's proposed budget. A concerned individual commented on this measure.

Your Committee has amended this bill by:

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land, & Ocean Resources that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1549, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1549, H.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Finance.