STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2808

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 3013

       S.D. 2

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2012

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 3013, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish a forest carbon offsets program in Hawaii that would incentivize and reward businesses or individuals that adopt, practice, and adhere to carbon emission reduction activities that are consistent with the Hawaii 2050 sustainability plan.

     Your Committee finds that global warming not only increases the State's dependence on fossil fuels, but is also expected to have severe environmental consequences, including an increase in storms, less rainfall, and a rise in sea level.  Consequently, the State should support programs that incentivize businesses and landowners to adopt practices that are more environmentally friendly and that result in reduced carbon emissions.  This measure lays out a state policy to encourage and empower public and private entities to increase the protection and management of Hawaii's forests and watersheds.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Amending section 195F-4, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to authorize the forest stewardship fund to receive deposits of processing fees under section   -6 of this measure; and

     (2)  Making technical nonsubstantive amendments for purposes of clarity, consistency, and style

     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. 3013, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 3013, S.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

____________________________

DAVID Y. IGE, Chair