STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1430

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.C.R. No. 119

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 Water and Land, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 119 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO CONVENE A KAILUA BAY ADVISORY WORKING GROUP,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to request the Department of Land and Natural Resources to convene a Kailua Bay Advisory Working Group.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one individual.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority.

Your Committee finds the Kailua-Kona Wharf, commonly referred to as the Kailua Pier, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii island, serves as a vital hub for place-based cultural history, community gatherings, ocean-based tourism, and recreational activities which supports local businesses and enhances the economy of West Hawaii. Your Committee further finds that Kailua Pier, and the surrounding area of Kailua Bay, holds deep cultural and historical significance and serves as a key arrival point for cruise ships that bring thousands of visitors to West Hawaii annually, fostering both economic growth and cultural preservation. Your Committee also finds that the high level of activity at Kailua Pier has resulted in persistent challenges related to homelessness, creating ongoing safety and sanitation concerns for visitors. While maintenance is necessary for public safety, environmental protection, and the long-term benefit of the community, persistent vandalism and damage to the facilities at Kailua Pier have led to rising maintenance costs, disruptions to public access, and the need for continuous repairs by state and county agencies. Your Committee additionally finds that the management and operations of Kailua Pier fall under the jurisdiction of multiple entities, including federal, state, county, and local nonprofit organizations. This measure will establish a Kailua Bay Advisory Working Group, to adopt an interjurisdictional approach to address the challenges at Kailua Pier which will foster coordinated oversight and effective management among responsible authorities.

Your Committee has amended this measure by making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

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 concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 119, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as S.C.R. No. 119, S.D. 1.

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

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LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair