STAND. COM. REP. NO.  831-16

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2016

RE:   H.B. No. 2023

      H.D. 1

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 2023, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO COMMUNITY-BASED SUBSISTENCE FISHING AREAS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to help sustain nearshore resources by requiring the Department of Land and Natural Resources to designate and adopt rules for the management of no fewer than five community-based subsistence fishing areas throughout the State by December 31, 2020.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs and Kuaaina Ulu Auamo testified in support of this measure.  The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii Crop Improvement Association, Hunting Farming and Fishing Association, Hawaii Fishermen's Alliance for Conservation and Tradition, Hawaii Crop Improvement Association, and three individuals testified in opposition.  The Aha Moku Advisory Committee and one individual provided comments.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2023, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

____________________________

SYLVIA LUKE, Chair