STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1211

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1134

H.D. 2

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred H.B. No. 1134, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO KANEOHE BAY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Prohibit commercial ocean use activity in Kaneohe Bay without a permit; and

(2) Prohibit any person from advertising any commercial ocean use activity in Kaneohe Bay for which the person does not have a permit.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii State Aha Moku, Kāne‘ohe Bay Regional Council, Ko‘olau Foundation, Ko‘olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club, and five individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Your Committee finds that the over-commercialization of Kaneohe Bay has been unnaturally encouraged by social media and through unpermitted tour operators who advertise and operate without regard for rules, regulations, and cultural awareness. Your Committee finds that action is necessary to ensure that Kaneohe Bay's rich cultural history and scenic natural environment are preserved and protected for the use and enjoyment of all. Therefore, this measure updates the law regarding restricted activities in Kaneohe Bay.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water and Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1134, H.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection and Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water and Land,

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LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair