Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Media, Arts, Science, and Technology and Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 2673 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to ensure that public historic and cultural properties have sufficient surrounding public lands to serve as a buffer.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the DLNR, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Oahu Council of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, Malama Kukuiokane, Hawaiian Island Productions, and one individual.

Your Committees find that creating spatial buffers around historic and cultural sites is crucial to preserving the physical integrity of these fragile environments. Furthermore, such buffers would perpetuate the spiritual characteristics of the sites.

eminent domain to create a buffer zone around historic and cultural properties constitutes a public purpose.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Media, Arts, Science, and Technology and Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2673 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.