Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water, Land, & Ocean Resources, to which was referred H.B. No. 2974 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to preserve the visual, cultural, and historical aspects of the South Kona Wilderness Area (Wilderness Area) on the island of Hawaii by extending from December 31, 2006, to December 31, 2007, the time allowed to acquire land designated as part of the Wilderness Area.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and Pa'a Pono Milolii Inc., testified in support of this bill.

The one year extension is necessary to complete the exchange transaction for the land in the Kapua area of the Wilderness Area.

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. 2974 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Finance.