STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1497

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: S.B. No. 465

S.D. 1

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Water & Land, to which was referred S.B. No. 465, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE KIKIAOLA SMALL BOAT HARBOR,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require and appropriate funds for the Department of Land and Natural Resources to conduct a study of the carrying capacity of Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor in the County of Kauai.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one member of the Kaua‘i County Council and one individual. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Chamber of Sustainable Commerce; Explore Kauai Scuba; and six individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Your Committee finds that Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor is a critical access point for Kauai's coastal communities, serving boaters, fishers, and tour operators. However, increasing activity at the harbor raises concerns about environmental degradation, overcrowding, safety risks, and infrastructure strain. A comprehensive carrying capacity study will provide essential data on the harbor's ability to sustain human activity without harming natural and cultural resources. This measure directs the Department of Land and Natural Resources to conduct the study, assess current management practices, and propose long-term strategies to balance sustainable use with environmental and community needs, ensuring that Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor remains a safe and viable resource for future generations.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Requiring the carrying capacity assessed by the study to include the area surrounding Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor and the capacity effects of any approved improvements to the Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor, including the construction of a second boat launch ramp; and

(2) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 465, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 465, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

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

____________________________

MARK J. HASHEM, Chair