STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1919-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: S.B. No. 2065

S.D. 2

H.D. 2

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 2065, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FISHING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to prohibit the possession or use on, in, or near state marine waters of unmanned aerial vehicles for the purpose of taking aquatic life, except under the terms and conditions of a permit first obtained by the user from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii State Aha Moku, Malama Pūpūkea-Waimea, and one individual. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from three individuals.

Your Committee finds that unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones, enable shore fishers to deploy baited hooks farther offshore and more efficiently than traditional shore fishing methods. This has resulted in increased interactions with protected species, such as monk seals and turtles, and offshore ocean users. By regulating the possession and use of unmanned aerial vehicles on, in, or near state marine waters for fishing, this measure ensures that unmanned aerial vehicles are used in a safe and responsible manner.

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

Your Committee notes that there are concerns that this measure does not establish the permitting process, including the fee, for persons to possess or use unmanned aerial vehicles for the purpose of taking aquatic life. Further reflection on that concern may be warranted as this measure proceeds through the legislative process.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2065, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2065, S.D. 2, H.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

MARK M. NAKASHIMA, Chair