STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1210

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 86

H.D. 2

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred H.B. No. 86, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for the establishment of full-time equivalent permanent Makai Watch Coordinator positions.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAuamo; Mālama Pūpūkea-Waimea; The Nature Conservancy, Hawaiʻi and Palmyra; Kauhakō ʻOhana Association; Hawaiʻi Ocean Legislative Task Force; Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United; Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action; and six individuals.

Your Committee finds that since its inception in the early 2000s, the Makai Watch Program has effectively connected community stewards with government agencies, fostering positive relationships and meaningful engagement. Your Committee further finds that the successes of the Makai Watch Program include heightened awareness of relevant regulations and ecosystem conditions within designated areas, along with improved collaboration among participants of the Makai Watch Program, various divisions of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the communities they serve. This measure expands support for the Makai Watch Program to ensure that the State's marine ecosystems remain healthy and abundant for present and future generations.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water and Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 86, H.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water and Land,

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LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair