STAND. COM. REP. NO. 690

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 403

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts, to which was referred S.B. No. 403 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CORAL,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to repeal the designation of black coral as the official gem of the State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, Big Island Reef Keepers Hui, Friends of Hanauma Bay, and For the Fishes. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii's coral reefs are vital to marine ecosystems and are home to many endemic and native species. Designated as the official gem of the State by Act 9, Session Laws of Hawaii 1987, black coral played a significant role in marketing campaigns showcasing Hawaii's beauty. However, the long-term promotion of Hawaii and its natural resources, including black coral, has led to increased commercial use of coral, contributing to the decline and degradation of coral reefs. This measure preserves one of the State's prized natural resources to ensure longevity and revitalization of coral reefs and marine ecosystems across the State.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

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

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 403, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 403, S.D. 1, and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts,

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CHRIS LEE, Chair