STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1239

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1018

H.D. 2

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred H.B. No. 1018, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LAY NETS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to authorize the Department of Land and Natural Resources to adopt rules for a lay net permit for the use or possession of lay nets, including reasonable fees and provisions to address noncompliance with lay net rules.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Malama Pupukea-Waimea, The Nature Conservancy, For the Fishes, and one individual.

Your Committee finds that the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) regulates lay net fishing through detailed restrictions on net dimensions, mesh size, soak time, time of day, frequency between sets, location, water depth, and inspection requirements. Your Committee further finds that all lay nets are required to be registered with DLNR and marked with identification tags and surface buoys. However, your Committee also finds that despite these detailed administrative rules, which are intended to ensure responsible use of lay nets, irresponsible use of lay nets continues with adverse impacts to fishery resources and protected species. This measure would enhance DLNR's ability to enforce lay net rules by allowing DLNR to revoke, suspend, or withhold a permit for non-compliance.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water and Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1018, H.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committees on Judiciary and Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water and Land,

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LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair