STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1771

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                

 

RE:    H.B. No. 133

       H.D. 2

       S.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 133, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SURFING,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate moneys to the Department of Education to support the establishment of surfing as an interscholastic sport.

 

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Governor's Sports Task Force; Office of Hawaiian Affairs; County of Kauai; Hana High and Elementary School; AccessSurf Hawaii; Hawaii Surf Association; Hawaiian Island Creations; Hawaiian Lifeguard Association; Hawaiian Paipo Board; Hoemana; Ke Kula o Samuel M. Kamakau, LPCS; Ke Kula o Samuel M. Kamakau - Student Council; Leilehua High School - Mules Surf Team; Maui Interscholastic League Surf Team; Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation; World Surf League Hawaii; and numerous individuals.

 

     Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Education.

 

     Your Committee finds that surfing is an important cultural, social, and economic asset to the State, having a significant role in tourism and the local industry.  Your Committee further finds that the appropriation in this measure will promote the sport and help to establish surfing as an interscholastic sport across Hawaii.

 

     Your Committee notes concerns about Title IX issues relating to participation rates by male and female students in high school sports.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 133, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

 

 

 

________________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair