STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1321

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2021

RE: H.R. No. 155

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.R. No. 155 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION URGING STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT ENTITIES, INCLUDING THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, SHERIFF DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, AND HARBORS DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, TO COLLABORATE WITH THE DIVISION OF CONSERVATION AND RESOURCES ENFORCEMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO SUPPORT ITS MISSION IN THIS TIME OF NEED,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge state law enforcement entities, including the Department of the Attorney General, Sheriff Division of the Department of Public Safety, and Harbors Division of the Department of Transportation, to collaborate with the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement of the Department of Land and Natural Resources to support its mission in this time of need.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from two individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Public Safety.

Your Committee finds that the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement of the Department of Land and Natural Resources is responsible for enforcement activities of the Department, including enforcement of all state laws and rules involving state lands, state parks, historic sites, forest reserves, aquatic life, wildlife areas, coastal zones, conservation districts, and state shores, as well as county ordinances involving county parks. However, because the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement is understaffed, there is a lack of enforcement presence to deter illegal activity. This measure would encourage collaboration among state law enforcement entities to protect, conserve, and manage Hawaii's unique and limited natural, cultural, and historic resources.

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 concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 155 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,

____________________________

NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair