STAND. COM. REP. NO. 501

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 1327

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Water and Land and Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 1327 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE SHORELINE IN SOUTH MAUI,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to require the Department of Land and Natural Resources, in collaboration with the county councilmember representing the south Maui residency area, Kihei Community Association, and ‘Aha Moku O Kula Makai, to develop a master plan to expand public access to the shoreline in south Maui, particularly state-owned land.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from one member of the Maui County Council, the O‘ahu County Committee on Legislative Priorities of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, and two individuals. Your Committees received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and ‘Aha Moku ‘O Kula Kai.

Your Committees find that public access to the shoreline is an important common law right shared and enjoyed by Hawaii residents and visitors alike; however, there is a parcel of state-owned land in south Maui that lacks adequate shoreline access. This measure requires relevant stakeholders to engage in planning to ensure that this access concern is remedied.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Water and Land and Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1327 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committees on Judiciary and Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Water and Land and Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs,

________________________________ CLARENCE K. NISHIHARA, Chair

________________________________ KAIALI'I KAHELE, Chair