STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2355

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 2316

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred S.B. No. 2316 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO BUILD AND MAINTAIN A PERIMETER FENCE TO PROTECT THE MAUNA KEA FOREST RESERVE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to make an appropriation to build and maintain a perimeter fence to protect the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Mauna Kea Forest Reserve, Hawaii Audubon Society, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Conservation Council for Hawaii, Hawaii Forest Industry Association, and seven individuals.

     Your Committee finds that properly constructed and maintained perimeter fences are key to long-term protection of native ecosystems and habitat for endangered flora and fauna from the devastating impact of feral animals.  This is especially true on Mauna Kea, where the native mamane tree provides an exclusive habitat for the endangered Mauna Kea silversword and numerous other rare and unique elements of Hawaiian biota.

     Your Committee finds that building and maintaining a perimeter fence will help preserve Mauna Kea's unique ecosystems and habitats.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water and Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2316 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water and Land,

____________________________

CLAYTON HEE, Chair