STAND. COM. REP. NO. 930-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: H.B. No. 1988

H.D. 2

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 1988, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CORAL,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to prohibit the sale, import, or export of coral products in Hawaii, with certain exceptions.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i and one individual. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from two individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Rights of Nature Hawai‘i; Big Island Reef Keepers Hui; Center for Biological Diversity; Surfrider Foundation, Hawai‘i Region; Friends of Hanauma Bay; Hawai‘i Reef and Ocean Coalition; For the Fishes; and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that coral reefs form a vital part of the marine ecosystem of Hawaii. This measure will provide coral reefs greater protection by banning the sale, import, or export of coral products in the State.

Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

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 is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1988, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1988, H.D. 2.

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

____________________________

AARON LING JOHANSON, Chair