STAND. COM. REP. NO. 331

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 1173

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred S.B. No. 1173 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO OCEAN STEWARDSHIP,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Establish the ocean stewardship special fund for the collection and use of moneys for the conservation, restoration, and enhancement of the State's marine resources; and

(2) Authorize the Department of Land and Natural Resources to collect non-resident fees for the use and enjoyment of the State's ocean resources.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program, Kua‘āina Ulu ‘Auamo, Kauhako Ohana Association, The Nature Conservancy, Friends of Hanauma Bay, Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, and five individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Ocean Tourism Coalition, Banyan Tree Divers Maui, Extended Horizons Scuba, Teralani Sailing Charters, Mike Severns Diving, Atlantis Adventures, Dive Maui, Hawaiian Rafting Adventures, Jack's Diving Locker, and four individuals.

Your Committee finds that this measure would create a sustainable source of funding for the Department of Land and Natural Resources to further the management, research, restoration, and enhancement of marine resources in the State.

Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water and Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1173, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1173, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

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

________________________________

LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair