STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2109-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: S.C.R. No. 174

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.C.R. No. 174 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I'S EFFORTS TO PURSUE UNITED STATES ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS CONTINUING AUTHORITIES PROGRAM FUNDING FOR THE RESTORATION OF KAHALU‘U BAY IN HAWAI‘I ISLAND,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to support the County of Hawai‘i's efforts to pursue United States Army Corps of Engineers Continuing Authorities Program funding for the restoration of Kahalu‘u Bay on Hawai'i Island.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks and Recreation, Friends of Hanauma Bay, Kahaluʻu Bay Education Center, Hawai'i Reef and Ocean Coalition, Malama Pupukea Waimea, and two members of the Hawai‘i County Council.

Your Committee finds that Kahulu‘u Beach Park is a popular visitor destination, hosts diverse marine life, and is a culturally important site to native Hawaiians. Thus, it would benefit the State to protect the beach and bay from deterioration and damage caused by rising sea levels. Your Committee further finds that the United States Army Corps of Engineer's Continuing Authorities Program can provide resources to facilitate the planning, design, and implementation of such projects.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 174 and recommends that it 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