STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1245

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2021

RE: H.C.R. No. 74

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 Culture, Arts, & International Affairs, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 74 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE YEAR 2022 BE DESIGNATED AS THE YEAR OF THE LIMU,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to designate the year 2022 as the Year of the Limu.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Kua‘āina Ulu ‘Auamo; Ewa Limu Project; Kipahulu Ohana, Inc.; Kauhako Ohana Association; Malama Pupukea-Waimea; Kupa‘a no Lana‘i; and one individual.

Your Committee finds that limu is a critical part of a healthy and productive reef ecosystem and is particularly important to the nearshore marine food chain. Limu also holds a special place in Native Hawaiian history as a source of food and medicine and played a role in religious and cultural ceremonies. Your Committee further finds that there has been a steep decline in limu throughout the State and a general loss of knowledge about the cultural significance of limu. This measure encourages awareness of limu's role in the State's culture and marine environment.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing its title to read, "Declaring the year 2022 as the year of the Limu.";

(2) Inserting language recognizing the efforts of kupuna and community organizations in revitalizing and propagating limu;

(3) Including the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources and the Board of Directors and Limu Hui Coordinator of Kua‘āina Ulu ‘Auamo as recipients of certified copies of this measure; and

(4) 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 Culture, Arts, & International Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 74, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Water & Land in the form attached hereto as H.C.R. No. 74, H.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Culture, Arts, & International Affairs,

____________________________

CEDRIC ASUEGA GATES, Chair