STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2464

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 3063

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2018

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred S.B. No. 3063 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF BEACHES ON THE NORTH SHORE OF OAHU,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to authorize and appropriate funds for the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program to conduct an economic analysis of North Shore beaches for the area of the North Shore of O‘ahu that stretches from the Kawailoa to Waiale‘e ahupua‘a to estimate the economic value of North Shore beaches.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program, Sierra Club of Hawai‘i, Oahu County Committee on Legislative Priorities of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, and one individual.

Your Committee finds that the northwest-facing shoreline on the North Shore of O‘ahu, which stretches from the Kawailoa to Waiale‘e ahupua‘a, is a spectacular coastline of primary importance to state residents and visitors from around the world for its beautiful sandy beaches, famous surf breaks, recreational opportunities, marine resources and wildlife, and vistas. However, the true economic value of North Shore beaches is currently unquantified and therefore, likely undervalued. Because the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program has demonstrated the capacity and capability to conduct the type of economic analysis needed for North Shore beaches, having quantitative economic and natural resource value estimates of North Shore beaches will assist local decision-makers regarding critical issues, such as coastal land use, shoreline management, and applications for armoring of the shoreline for private development.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3063 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Higher Education,

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KAIALI'I KAHELE, Chair