STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1919

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.C.R. No. 191

H.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 H.C.R. No. 191, H.D. 1, entitled:

"HOUSE 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 CARES.

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

Your Committee finds that Kailua Pier located in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Island, and the surrounding area of Kailua Bay hold deep cultural and historical significance and serve 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 further 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 users and visitors. While maintenance of the facilities at Kailua Pier is necessary, the management and operations of Kailua Pier fall under the jurisdiction of several entities, including federal, state, county, and local nonprofit organizations. Accordingly, this measure will foster coordinated management and effective oversight of Kailua Pier by establishing a Kailua Bay Advisory Working Group to adopt an interjurisdictional approach to address the challenges facing the maintenance of Kailua Pier and its facilities.

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 H.C.R. No. 191, H.D. 1, and recommends its adoption.

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

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LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair