STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1908

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 Consumer Protection & Commerce, 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 received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and The Nature Conservancy.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii's reefs provide millions of dollars in revenue from fishing and tourism, as well as coastal protection, cultural renewal, and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Reefs are the first line of defense to protect coastlines and coastal infrastructure, and focused investment to build and repair their resilience is essential to preserving this natural infrastructure. Your Committee further finds that erosion and chronic flooding are predicted to increase as a result of sea level rise. The Nature Conservancy's recently completed feasibility assessment for reef insurance in Hawaii reveals there may be interest and applicability in the islands, and the Department of Land and Natural Resources has indicated its support for exploring this option.

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 concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 159, S.D. 1, and recommends its adoption.

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

____________________________

AARON LING JOHANSON, Chair