HB2537 HSCR412-02

 

STAND. COM. REP. NO.412-02

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2002

RE: H.B. No. 2537

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water and Land Use, to which was referred H.B. No. 2537 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AQUATIC RESOURCES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to provide the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) with additional flexibility to manage aquatic resources by expanding and clarifying its authority to:

(1) Use or possess illegal fishing gear, including the use of chemical, electricity, or explosive devices, to take aquatic life such as alien pest species from infested systems; and

(2) Issue permits to those engaged in feeding or watching aquatic resources or other non-consumptive activities.

This bill also clarifies that permits issued for chemicals and electrofishing devices include possession or use of these devices.

DLNR testified in support of this bill, and a concerned individual opposed this measure.

Recent developments in fishing gear technology, watchable wildlife programs, and alien species infestations have underscored DLNR's current limited authority to deal with these issues. This bill will provide DLNR with the authority to better manage the State's resources.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water and Land Use that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2537 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.

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

 

		____________________________ EZRA KANOHO, Chair