STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1036-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: S.B. No. 2799

S.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 Water & Land, to which was referred S.B. No. 2799, S.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE KAIWI COAST,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Transfer lands to the Department of Land and Natural Resources and establish that land and adjacent state-owned lands as the Kaiwi Coast State Park;

(2) Establish positions within the Department of Land and Natural Resources for management of the Kaiwi Coast State Park; and

(3) Appropriate funds for these purposes.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii State Aha Moku, Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, Sierra Club of Hawai‘i, Surfrider Foundation, and one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance and Livable Hawaii Kai Hui.

Your Committee finds that a growing interest in the Kaiwi Coast has brought a rapid increase in visitors to the area and without proper management, the area may become overrun by invasive species and commercial interests or become subject to future development. This measure aims to protect and preserve the lands of the Kaiwi Coast by establishing the Kaiwi Coast State Park for the benefit of residents and future generations.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2799, S.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and 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