STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3388

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.C.R. No. 142

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 142 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO AUTHORIZE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MONUMENT IN HILO ON STATE LAND IN HONOR OF THE LATE SENATOR GILBERT KAHELE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to request the Department of Land and Natural Resources to authorize the establishment of a monument on state land in honor of the late State Senator Gilbert Kahele.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from two individuals.

     Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

     Your Committee finds that the late State Senator Gilbert "Gil" Kahele was dedicated to public service, and served the Hilo community and the island of Hawaii for much of his life.  Among his many accomplishments, the late Senator led an effort to revitalize Banyan Drive in Hilo.  The owners of the Naniloa Hotel, which was a part of the revitalization of Banyan Drive, have dedicated a license over the land on the point of the hotel's dock area to the late Senator's family for a monument.  The Department of Land and Natural Resources owns the land on which the proposed monument would be located, and the Department may authorize the use of the land for a monument.  Your Committee believes that this location is an ideal place for a monument to the late Senator as it is located on the dock looking back toward downtown Hilo, symbolizing the late Senator's commitment to his community and his love of fishing.

     According to the comments provided by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the appropriate disposition for the proposed monument is likely a term easement issued to an entity willing to take responsibility for the monument.  An easement may be granted by the Board of Land and Natural Resources for up to sixty-five years.  The consent of the current lessee at the site of the proposed monument also must be obtained.  If the site encumbers submerged lands, legislative approval would also be required.  Additionally, the applicant for the proposed monument would be subject to special environmental review laws.

     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 concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 142 and recommends its adoption.

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

________________________________

JILL N. TOKUDA, Chair