STAND. COM. REP. NO.  604

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2019

 

RE:   H.B. No. 446

      H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Water, Land, & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 446 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FISHING,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to establish a licensing requirement and eligibility criteria for near shore fishing tour guides.

 

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

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

 

     (1)  Specifying that revenues generated from the issuance of licenses shall be expended by the Division of Aquatic Resources for the purposes of issuing licenses and enforcing compliance with licensure requirements, including hiring necessary program or administrative staff;

 

     (2)  Changing its effective date to July 1, 2050 to encourage further discussion; and

 

     (3)  Making nonsubstantive technical amendments for the purpose of clarity and consistency.

 

     Your Committee notes that this measure was requested by members of the fishing guide industry, which is willing to subject itself to greater oversight and regulation for the purpose of maintaining sound business and conservation practices within the industry.  Your Committee further notes that members of the industry and the Division of Aquatic Resources are currently engaged in discussions regarding this issue.  Your Committee commends these parties for engaging in productive dialogue and encourages them to continue to work together towards a resolution that benefits the parties involved as well as the people and natural resources of the State.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land, & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 446, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 446, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

 

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water, Land, & Hawaiian Affairs,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

RYAN I. YAMANE, Chair