STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1568-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: H.C.R. No. 140

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water & Land, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 140 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING ERNEST "ERNIE" LAU AND HIS ROLE IN PROTECTING HAWAII'S WATER SUPPLY AND ESTABLISHING THE "ERNIE LAU WATER PROTECTOR POSTER CONTEST","

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to recognize Ernest "Ernie" Lau and his role in protecting Hawai‘i's water supply, and to establish the "Ernie Lau Water Protect Poster Contest."

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the City and County of Honolulu Board of Water Supply; Hawai‘i County Department of Water Supply; Kūpuna for the Mo‘opuna; Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i; Progressive Democrats of Hawai‘i; Malu ‘Aina; Shimanchu Wai Protectors – Ukwanshin Kabudan; and seventeen individuals.

Your Committee finds that, throughout his career in public service, Ernest Lau has been a dedicated advocate for the protection of Hawai‘i's water resources. Mr. Lau's resolute leadership has been particularly crucial during the Red Hill fuel crisis, earning admiration and respect from the public at large. Your Committee believes a student poster contest would honor Ernest's dedicated service and further public discussion and consideration of water resource protection. The Board of Water Supply already holds an annual "Poster & Poetry Contest," and therefore has the means and expertise to incorporate the “Ernie Lau Water Protector Poster Contest."

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 140 and recommends that it 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