STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1746

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1394

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1394, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to improve the ability of the Department of Land and Natural Resources to manage popular hiking locations under its jurisdiction.

More specifically, the measure appropriates funds to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for supplies, vehicles, contracts, and additional staffing positions for the Department's Division of Forestry and Wildlife to manage "hotspots" at trailheads leading to the hiking trails of Na Ala Hele, the State's trail and access program.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Hawaii Bicycling League, Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaii, and six individuals.

Your Committee finds that the popularity of certain hiking trails, which grew dramatically during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, has resulted in trailheads being overwhelmed by large numbers of residents and visitors. Your Committee further finds that the additional resources provided by this measure will support the Division of Forestry and Wildlife in managing access to these trails by working with stakeholders to identify and implement alternative solutions in coordination with state and county agencies.

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

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1394, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1394, H.D. 1, S.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

________________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair