STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3433

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.R. No. 55

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.R. No. 55 entitled:

"SENATE RESOLUTION URGING THE LEGISLATURE TO PRESERVE, PROTECT, AND RESTORE LIMU KALA,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to urge the Legislature to preserve, protect, and restore limu kala to the full extent of its capability.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and one individual.

Your Committee finds that the Legislature recognized the critical role of limu kala in Hawaii's nearshore ecosystems and Native Hawaiian history and culture through the passage of Act 230, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023, which designated limu kala as the state limu of Hawaii. However, populations of this endemic species of limu have been severely damaged by the ongoing effects of climate change, development, and runoff. This measure seeks to further support healthy reefs and nearshore ecosystems in the State by urging the protection and restoration of limu kala populations.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 55 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment,

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MIKE GABBARD, Chair