STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1469-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: H.R. No. 73

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.R. No. 73 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITY OF EXPANDING THE MOUNT KA‘ALA NATURAL AREA RESERVE TO INCLUDE THE SLOPES OF MOUNT KA‘ALA, PARTICULARLY IN THE WAIALUA DIRECTION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the Department of Land and Natural Resources to explore the possibility of expanding the Mount Ka‘ala Natural Area Reserve to include the slopes of Mount Ka‘ala, particularly in the Waialua direction, so as to better protect, preserve, and promote the area's unique natural resources and cultural value.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural resources; and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that Mount Ka‘ala hosts diverse natural communities and rare plant and animal species. Conservation programs in the reserve promote environmental awareness and resource management, and expanding the natural area reserve to include the northern slopes of Mount Ka‘ala could further these goals.

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.R. No. 73 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water & Land,

____________________________

DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair