STAND.
COM. REP. NO. 1780
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2021
RE: S.C.R. No. 159
S.D. 1
Honorable Scott K. Saiki
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-First State Legislature
Regular Session of 2021
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Water & Land, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 159, S.D. 1, entitled:
"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO EXAMINE AND CONSIDER PURCHASING REEF INSURANCE TO SUPPORT NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS TO PROTECT HAWAII'S COASTLINES AND COASTAL INFRASTRUCTURE FROM NATURAL DISASTERS,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to urge the Department of Land and Natural Resources to examine and consider purchasing reef insurance to protect the State's coastlines and coastal infrastructure from natural disasters.
Your Committee finds that reefs are
the lifeblood of the State's economy, providing millions of dollars in revenue
from fishing and tourism, as well as coastal protection, cultural renewal, and
recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. Your Committee also finds that Hawaii's natural
resources are affected by a variety of environmental and anthropogenic factors,
including impacts from climate change such as rising and warming seas and
increasing storms and drought. Reefs are
the first line of defense against the impacts of natural disasters to the State,
such as marine heatwaves, beach erosion, and chronic flooding. Your Committee recognizes that reef insurance
creates opportunities to protect Hawaii's coastline and coastal infrastructure from
natural disasters and repair reefs after a natural disaster.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 159, S.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water & Land,
|
|
____________________________ DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair |
|
|
|