STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3471
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: H.C.R. No. 170
H.D. 1
Honorable Donna Mercado Kim
President of the Senate
Twenty-Seventh State Legislature
Regular Session of 2014
State of Hawaii
Madam:
Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 170, H.D. 1, entitled:
"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO ADOPT RULES TO MANAGE MANTA RAY DIVE SITES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to urge the Department of Land and Natural Resources to adopt rules to manage manta ray dive sites.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Ocean Wings Hawaii, Inc.; Jacks Diving Locker; and two individuals.
Your Committee finds that the manta ray night dive is a popular activity in West Hawaii, and visitors visit Hawaii Island for the purpose of participating in this activity. These dives occur at specific locations where manta rays are known to frequent. The popularity of this activity has grown over the years, and now there are many boats, kayaks, stand up paddle boarders, swimmers, divers, snorkelers, and other recreational and commercial users present at these sites at the same time, creating a potentially dangerous situation.
Your Committee further finds that if an accident occurs, it would be not only tragic but also harmful to the diving industry, and a potential liability to the State. Ensuring the safety of workers, visitors, and manta rays and ensuring a good visitor experience are in the best interest of the health and safety of the general public as well as the manta rays.
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 concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 170, H.D. 1, and recommends its adoption.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water and Land,
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____________________________ MALAMA SOLOMON, Chair |
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