STAND. COM. REP. NO. 88

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2021

RE: H.B. No. 1023

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water & Land, to which was referred H.B. No. 1023 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO A NONRESIDENT RECREATIONAL MARINE FISHING LICENSE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to help the State identify and develop sustainable sources of funding to effectively manage its fisheries by establishing a nonresident recreational marine fishing license and associated fees.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and one individual.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii's marine fishing opportunities attract thousands of visitors each year, from professional anglers who participate in big game fishing tournaments to weekend fishing enthusiasts seeking to enjoy their favorite recreational activity while on vacation. Hawaii residents pay taxes that support state fisheries management programs. In contrast, nonresident recreational fishers directly benefit from enjoyment of the State's marine fishery resources without directly contributing to management of these valuable resources. This measure will provide an additional source of funding to protect these resources.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing its effective date to January 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1023, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1023, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

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

____________________________

DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair