STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3681

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 2033

H.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred H.B. No. 2033, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds to the Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) to purchase firefighting equipment.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that DOFAW is the primary responder for wildland fires across over one million acres of forested watershed lands and co-responds with federal and county agencies on additional lands in the State. In addition to wildfire suppression, DOFAW serves as part of the State Emergency Response Team to address other emergencies and disasters, such as hurricanes and lava events. Specialized equipment in good working order is essential for DOFAW's success in safely responding to such emergencies throughout the State. This measure appropriates funding for fire and emergency response equipment.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water and Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2033, H.D. 1, 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 Water and Land,

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KAIALI'I KAHELE, Chair