STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1223

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2021

RE: S.B. No. 347

S.D. 1

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred S.B. No. 347, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LITTER CONTROL,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to prohibit the intentional release of balloons inflated with a gas that is lighter than air.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, Beach Environmental Awareness Campaign Hawai‘i, The Humane Society of the United States, Pacific Whale Foundation, Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund, seven individuals, and a petition signed by numerous individuals.

Your Committee finds that the release of balloons inflated with lighter-than-air gases poses a danger and nuisance to the environment, particularly to wildlife and marine animals. Many animals mistake the balloons for food, which can cause severe injury or death. This measure ensures the protection and well‑being of wildlife in the State by prohibiting the release of balloons inflated with lighter-than-air gases.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 347, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 347, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,

____________________________

NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair