STAND. COM. REP. NO. 856

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    S.B. No. 472

       S.D. 2

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 472, S.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PUNA,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds for a feasibility and cost study relating to the construction of a new boat ramp and pier in the Puna district on the island of Hawaii.

 

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Luana Jones, representing fishermen, tour boats, families, and the Puna community; Moku Nui Lava Tours, LLC; and numerous individuals.

 

     Your Committee finds that recent lava flows have left the Puna district without a usable boat ramp and pier.  Your Committee recognizes that the old boat ramp at Pohoiki was a major economic driver for the Puna district and Hawaii island as a whole.

 

     Your Committee further notes that the issuance of general obligation bonds may be a more appropriate means of addressing this issue.

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the appropriation to an unspecified amount to facilitate further discussion on the measure.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 472, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 472, S.D. 2.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

 

 

 

________________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair