STAND. COM. REP. NO. 679

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.B. No. 1316

H.D. 2

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 1316, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require the registration and numbering of rental vessels before they are provided or offered to the public for transiting the navigable waters of a state park.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from Bring Me A Kayak.

Your Committee finds that the commercial operation of rental kayaks and stand-up paddleboards allow visitors to experience the state parks in a unique manner by enjoying the scenic views and nature. However, the increased commercial activity often leads to extensive disruptions in state parks caused by human activity, including litter and overcrowding. While permitted vendors ensure that the use of rental kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are operated safely and in accordance with the Department of Land and Natural Resources' rules, this measure provides another mechanism for the Department to adequately protect the natural resources of state parks.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Specifying that the fees for the initial registration, annual renewal registration, and ancillary decals for rental vessels shall be deposited in the State Parks Special Fund; 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 Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1316, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1316, H.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

SCOT Z. MATAYOSHI, Chair