STAND. COM. REP. NO.  281

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2017

RE:   H.B. No. 436

      H.D. 1

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ocean, Marine Resources, & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 436 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PROPELLER GUARDS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to protect ocean users and ocean and shoreline ecosystems by requiring all motorized recreational vessels that operate in nearshore waters to have properly functioning propeller guards.

Many individuals testified in favor of this measure.  The Hawaii Fishing & Boating Association, Hawaii Sportmen's Alliance, RT Distributors, and numerous individuals testified in opposition to this measure.  The Department of Land and Natural Resources; Hunting, Farming and Fishing Association; Hawaii Goes Fishing; and an individual commented on this measure.

     Your Committee finds that because of the high rate of boating-related injuries and deaths in the State, legislation is necessary to protect recreational and subsistence ocean users, and requiring propeller guards on recreational vessels operating in nearshore waters may accomplish this goal.  However, your Committee finds that requiring propeller guards may have adverse effects.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Narrowing its scope to inboard/outboard motors and outboard motors; and

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

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ocean, Marine Resources, & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 436, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 436, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ocean, Marine Resources, & Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

KANIELA ING, Chair