STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1821

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 819

H.D. 2

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 Judiciary, to which was referred H.B. No. 819, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LIMU KALA,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to designate limu kala (Sargassum echinocarpum) as the official Hawaii state limu.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Kua‘āina Ulu ‘Auamo, Mālama Pūpūkea-Waimea, Mālama Limu Club of Kamehameha Schools, and five individuals.

Your Committee finds that limu has a unique ecological and cultural value to the people of Hawai‘i and that four species of limu are endemic to the waters of the State, including limu kala. Your Committee further finds that limu kala has a significant role in Native Hawaiian history and culture, as it is used as traditional bait for reef fish, used to treat minor cuts and scratches, and used in the conflict resolution process of ho‘oponopono. This measure recognizes the critical role of this critical species of limu in Hawai‘i's ecosystem and seeks to increase awareness and knowledge of limu kala amid the current decline of desirable limu species throughout the State.

Your Committee has amended this measure by making it effective upon its approval.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 819, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 819, H.D. 2, S.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

________________________________

KARL RHOADS, Chair