STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2831

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2659

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2659, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE DIVISION OF CONSERVATION AND RESOURCES ENFORCEMENT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate moneys to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for equipment, training, and the establishment of twenty full-time positions for the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Kuaaina Ulu Auamo, Surfrider Foundation, Malama Pupukea-Waimea, Nature Conservancy Hawaii, and six individuals.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance.

Your Committee finds that the resources provided by this measure will facilitate the creation of a dedicated unit in each county to focus on marine patrol work. Your Committee further finds that the presence of marine patrol units on the water will help protect the State's marine resources, enhance recreational boating safety, and provide greater visibility and response capabilities for the Division's law enforcement efforts.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2659, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair