HR42

WHEREAS, Pōkaʻī Bay is a vital natural and cultural resource for the community of Waiʻanae, providing recreational, environmental, and economic benefits; and

WHEREAS, addressing environmental concerns is important to preserve Pōkaʻī Bay and its long-term viability for future generations; and

WHEREAS, pollution, sedimentation, and lack of adequate infrastructure continue to degrade Pōkaʻī Bay; and

WHEREAS, the degradation of Pōkaʻī Bay has significantly impacted marine life, water quality, and public access; and

WHEREAS, the local community, residents, cultural practitioners, and businesses have expressed concerns regarding the condition of Pōkaʻī Bay and the need for immediate action to restore and maintain its ecosystem; and

WHEREAS, collaboration between government agencies, community organizations, and stakeholders is necessary to develop sustainable management practices and implement practical solutions for the preservation of Pōkaʻī Bay; and

WHEREAS, this body finds that the threats to the wildlife of Pōkaʻī Bay and its pristine beauty requires immediate and decisive action; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, that a working group be established to address environmental concerns at Pōkaʻī Bay; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group is requested to consist of the following members:

(1) The Director of the Pacific Southwest Office of the United States Environmental Protection Agency;

(2) The Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources;

(3) The Director of Transportation;

(4) The Representative of House District 45;

(5) The Director of the City and County of Honolulu Department of Facility Maintenance;

(6) The Councilmember of District 1 of the City and County of Honolulu; and

(7) The Chair of the Wai'anae Coast Neighborhood Board No. 24; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group is requested to invite other individuals with relevant experience and expertise to be members of the working group, including:

(1) A marine biologist from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa;

(2) A representative from the fishing industry; and

(3) Any other members the working group deems necessary; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the working group is requested to conduct a comprehensive environmental assessment to determine the primary sources of pollution and sedimentation at Pōkaʻī Bay; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group is requested to assess the feasibility and estimated costs of:

(1) Erosion control measures to prevent further degradation of the bay;

(2) Water quality monitoring programs to ensure ongoing assessment;

(3) Additional trash receptacles and regular cleanup efforts to improve waste management;

(4) Marine habitat restoration projects;

(5) Conscious harbor practices at the bay, including prohibiting commercial boats from anchoring in the bay and boat owners from emptying their holding tanks that contain sewage into the bay;

(6) Fisheries certification programs to promote sustainable fishing practices; and

(7) Public facilities improvements to support responsible recreation and tourism; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group is requested to make recommendations to reduce or prevent adverse environmental impacts on the bay based on its assessment; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group is requested to conduct community engagement and educational initiatives to raise awareness of the protection of the bay; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group is requested to meet on a quarterly basis; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group is requested to provide a quarterly report to the House of Representatives; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group shall cease on June 30, 2027; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City and County of Honolulu is requested to allocate funding and resources to implement the working group's recommendations; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of the Pacific Southwest Office of the United States Environmental Protection Agency; Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources; Director of Transportation; Representative of House District 45; Director of the City and County of Honolulu Department of Facility Maintenance; Councilmember of District 1 of the City and County of Honolulu; Chair of the Wai'anae Coast Neighborhood Board No. 24; and Chancellor of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	42
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII