STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1759

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 86

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. 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 moneys to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for the establishment of full-time equivalent permanent Makai Watch coordinator positions to support the Makai Watch program.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Green Party of Hawaii, Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action, Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Ocean Legislative Task Force, Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, Hawaii Wildlife Fund, Heeia National Estuarine Research Reserve, Kuaaina Ulu Auamo, Malama Pupukea-Waimea, The Nature Conservancy, Purple Maia, and numerous individuals.

Your Committee finds that the Makai Watch program was designed to enhance collaboration and minimize conflicts among nearshore resource users. Your Committee further finds that the Makai Watch program has been successful in connecting community stewards with government agencies, fostering positive relationships and meaningful engagement. Your Committee recognizes that the Makai Watch program has proven to be a vital resource for co-managing nearshore areas, and finds that expanding support for the program is a priority for the State.

Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, to facilitate further discussion on the measure.

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. 86, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 86, H.D. 2, S.D. 1.

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

________________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair