STAND. COM. REP. NO. 443-20

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2020

RE: H.B. No. 2439

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Lower & Higher Education and Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 2439 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE ENVIRONMENT,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to the University of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center for the research and development of specialized equipment for effectively and efficiently removing plastic marine debris from shores and beaches.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from a Councilmember of the Hawaii County Council, Surfrider Oahu, Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, Climate Protectors Coalition, Friends of Hanauma Bay, and two individuals.

Your Committees find that plastic marine debris is fouling Hawaii's iconic beaches and the ocean, harming recreation and tourism, the State's largest industry. Most of this debris does not come from the State, but around the world, transported by ocean currents. Your Committees recognize that plastic marine debris is essentially indestructible, and that it does not go away over time, but breaks down into smaller fragments. It is important, where feasible, to remove plastic marine debris before it breaks down into smaller fragments, and specialized equipment will be needed to remove the debris effectively and efficiently from beaches and shorelines. This measure provides funding for the research and development of such equipment and will lead to enhancing Hawaii's environment and protecting its economy.

Your Committees have amended this measure by:

(1) Changing its effective date to July 1, 2050; and

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

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Lower & Higher Education and Energy & Environmental Protection that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2439, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2439, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Lower & Higher Education and Energy & Environmental Protection,

____________________________ NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair

____________________________ JUSTIN H. WOODSON, Chair