STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1204-20

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2020

RE: S.B. No. 2781

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred S.B. No. 2781 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LITTER CONTROL,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to prohibit the intentional release of balloons inflated with gas that is lighter than air.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, Friends of Hanauma Bay, Beach Environmental Awareness Campaign Hawaii, Animal Rights Hawaii, and over 1,400 individuals.

Your Committee finds that the intentional release of balloons inflated with lighter-than-air gas poses a danger and nuisance to native wildlife and coastal communities. Balloon releases contribute to debris that can cause harm to wildlife and marine animals, including severe injury, starvation, or death from ingestion or entanglement with the soft plastic or ribbon attached to the balloons. Your Committee notes that there are other, ecologically friendly options to celebrate or commemorate events. This measure will prohibit the intentional release of certain balloons in order to improve the safety of wildlife and marine animals and protect the environment.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2781 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,

____________________________

NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair