STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2119

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: S.C.R. No. 12

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 Culture & Arts, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 12, S.D. 1, entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY WEEK,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Recognize International Dark Sky Week on April 21 through April 28, 2025; and

(2) Establish a task force convened by the Board of Land and Natural Resources to study light pollution and dark skies to ensure the preservation of dark skies throughout the State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Maunakea Observatories. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and University of Hawaiʻi System.

Your Committee finds that eighty percent of the world's population, including many Hawaii residents, live under a dome of light pollution, or excessive artificial lighting at night that disrupts natural darkness. Your Committee further finds that artificial light pollution can negatively affect wildlife, including seabirds and turtles, and disrupt astronomy, stargazing, and cultural traditions. Your Committee believes that recognizing International Dark Sky Week in the State will raise awareness for the conservation of dark skies to protect wildlife, preserve cultural heritage, and improve astronomical research and appreciation for dark skies.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Requesting the University of Hawaii, rather than the Board of Land and Natural Resources, to convene and chair the Task Force; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Culture & Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 12, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as S.C.R. No. 12, S.D. 1, H.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Culture & Arts,

____________________________

JEANNE KAPELA, Chair