STAND. COM. REP. NO. 392-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: H.B. No. 2229

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education & Technology, to which was referred H.B. No. 2229, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO COASTAL EROSION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Require the University of Hawaii to establish and implement a two-year program to study the impact of sandbag walls on sand movement patterns and coastal erosion and on certain public trust resources at Ehukai Beach Park on the North Shore of Oahu, including from the shoreline area near Ke Iki Road to Sunset Beach;

(2) Require the University of Hawaii to submit a report of its study findings and recomendations to the Legislature prior to the Regular Session of 2025; and

(3) Appropriate funds to the University of Hawaii for the study.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawaii System, Oceanit, and one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance and Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Your Committee finds that beach and shoreline erosion has been a persistent and increasing problem for the Hawaiian islands and is particularly acute in certain sections of the North Shore of Oahu. Your Committee further finds that sand bag walls, often referred to as "sand burritos", are one of several erosion control devices. However, sand bag walls are only a temporary measure against erosion, and it is unclear if there may be other, unintended consequences from their use. This measure appropriates funds to study the use of sandbag walls and how they affect sand movement patterns and coastal erosion.

Your Committee notes that the estimated cost for the study, as suggested by the University of Hawaii, is between $300,000 to $500,000 over a three-year period.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education & Technology that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2229, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Higher Education & Technology,

____________________________

GREGG TAKAYAMA, Chair