STAND. COM. REP. NO. 252-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: H.B. No. 2715

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Culture, Arts, & International Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 2715 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SPECIAL NUMBER PLATES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to authorize the issuance of special number plates to recognize and honor Malama Puuloa.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Hui o Hoʻohonua; Aliʻi Pauahi Hawaiian Civic Club; and six individuals.

Your Committee finds that Keawalau o Puuloa, near present-day Honouliuli, is one of the first and oldest settlements on the island of Oahu. Puuloa was an abundant water resource with traditional Hawaiian fishponds and taro patches. Now, Puuloa's aquatic resources have been exposed and contaminated with mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, pesticides, microplastics, lead, and other harmful chemicals and materials. Your Committee finds it appropriate to honor Malama Puuloa with a special license plate to promote its environmentalism and perpetuation of Native Hawaiian culture.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Replacing certain references from Malama Puuloa to Hui O Hoʻohonua to reflect the registered name of the organization operating the Malama Puuloa efforts;

(2) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(3) 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 Culture, Arts, & International Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2715, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2715, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Culture, Arts, & International Affairs,

____________________________

ADRIAN K. TAM, Chair