STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1033

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 1146

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 S.B. No. 1146, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE ALA WAI CANAL,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to address debris management and water quality control issues in the Ala Wai Canal by appropriating moneys for the University of Hawaii to develop action and pre-engineering concept plans and establish positions to assist with the plans.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, University of Hawaii System, Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District Association, Waikiki Neighborhood Board, and three individuals.

Your Committee finds that floating debris in the Ala Wai Canal, particularly after heavy rains, has been a persistent problem and poses significant risks to recreational users and aquatic habitats in nearshore waters. Although the State has expended considerable money and effort to collect and dispose of floating debris at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor, your Committee finds that effective management of the debris problem requires further funding.

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 S.B. No. 1146, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair