STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3242

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 Judiciary, 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 Hawai‘i Reef and Ocean Coalition, Beach Environmental Awareness Campaign Hawai‘i, Climate Protectors Coalition, Animal Rights Hawai‘i, and sixteen individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

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 many 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 ensure the safety of wildlife and marine animals and protect the environment by prohibiting the intentional release of balloons filled with lighter-than-air gas, except under certain circumstances.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary 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 Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

________________________________

KARL RHOADS, Chair