STAND.
COM. REP. NO. 420
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2021
RE: H.B. No. 1102
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 Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 1102 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LITTER CONTROL,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to prohibit the intentional release of balloons inflated with a gas that is lighter than air.
Your Committee
received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and
Natural Resources, Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, Beach Environmental
Awareness Campaign Hawai‘i,
Surfrider Foundation, five individuals, and a petition signed by numerous
individuals. Your Committee received
comments on this measure from The Balloon Council.
Your Committee finds that the release of
balloons inflated with lighter-than-air gases poses a danger and nuisance to
the environment, particularly to wildlife and marine animals. Many animals mistake the balloons for food,
which can cause severe injury or death. This
measure ensures the protection and well‑being of wildlife in the State by
prohibiting the release of balloons inflated with lighter-than-air gases.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and
(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1102, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1102, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,
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____________________________ NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair |
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