STAND. COM. REP. NO. 924
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2005
RE: S.B. No. 1474
S.D. 1
Honorable Robert Bunda
President of the Senate
Twenty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2005
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 1474, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE MAUNA KEA SCIENCE RESERVE AUTHORITY,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to direct the Auditor to conduct a study of the Mauna Kea science reserve to evaluate existing approval and decision making procedures and the feasibility of establishing a new management structure.
The Mauna Kea science reserve hosts unique spiritual, cultural, historical, and natural resources, and is home to some of the world's rarest plant and animal life. It is also one of the world's premier sites for astronomical research because of excellent viewing conditions at the summit.
Your Committee understands that in 1998, the Auditor found deficiencies in the University of Hawaii's management of the Mauna Kea science reserve and the Department of Land and Natural Resources' efforts at protecting the summit's natural resources. Corrective actions have been taken by the University of Hawaii and the Department of Land and Natural Resources, including the implementation of a new management structure with two advisory groups providing guidance on community, environmental, cultural, historical, and other matters; the establishment of the Office of Mauna Kea Management with two full time rangers to monitor public activities on the summit; the adoption of historic preservation administrative rules; and enforcement for conservation district use violations. However, your Committee is aware that management and natural resource protection concerns continue to exist. This measure seeks to address those concerns.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1474, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,
____________________________ BRIAN T. TANIGUCHI, Chair |
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