STAND. COM. REP. NO. 365

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 801

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Higher Education and Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 801 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE WAIKIKI AQUARIUM MASTER PLAN,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds for the renovation, expansion, and modernization of the Waikiki Aquarium structure.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawai‘i System and O‘ahu County Committee on Legislative Priorities of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i.

Your Committees find that the Waikiki Aquarium is the second oldest aquarium in the United States, having hosted an average of three hundred thousand annual visitors over the past decade. However, the aquarium is showing signs of aging and disrepair as it has not been able to expand and modernize at the same pace as more modern and larger domestic and international aquariums. This measure helps the Waikiki Aquarium redefine itself and remain relevant by elevating its facilities to make itself a favored destination for locals and visitors of Hawaii.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Higher Education and Agriculture and Environment that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 801 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Higher Education and Agriculture and Environment,

________________________________ MIKE GABBARD, Chair

________________________________ DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair