STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2513

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2781

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, 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 and intent 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, University of Hawaii West Oahu, Animal Rights Hawaii, Surfrider Foundation Oahu, Beach Environmental Awareness Campaign Hawai'i, Hawaii Wildlife Fund, fifty-seven individuals, and a petition signed by over thirteen hundred individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from two 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. Your Committee recognizes that these balloon releases contribute to marine debris, which harms the coastal environment through smothering and abrasion. Many animals are attracted to the bright colors of these balloons, and face severe injury, starvation, or death through ingesting or entanglement with the soft plastic debris or ribbon attached to the balloons. Your Committee further notes that there are other eco-friendly options to celebrate or commemorate life events. According to testimony received by your Committee, several cities and states across the nation have already passed laws limiting the intentional release of balloons inflated with lighter-than-air gas.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment 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 Agriculture and Environment,

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MIKE GABBARD, Chair