STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3262

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 2715

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts, to which was referred H.B. No. 2715, H.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to authorize the issuance of special number plates to commemorate Mālama Puʻuloa.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Hui O Hoʻohonua.

Your Committee finds that that Keawalau o Puuloa, also known as Puuloa or Pearl Harbor, is a place of cultural significance that exemplifies the power of positive, community-led change. Your Committee further finds that while Puuloa was an abundant water resource for many ecosystems, the introduction of chemicals, toxic materials, and heavy metals have led to significant contamination of the area. However, in response to the environmental neglect, the nonprofit organization Mālama Puʻuloa has mobilized and engaged an entire community in cleanup and education efforts. This measure will recognize the positive impact of Mālama Puʻuloa in the State by designating a special number plate to be issued throughout the State.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Adding language to limit the special number plate design to four and a half inches in height by four and a half inches in width;

(2) Adding language to require the special number plate design to comply with all requirements regulating number plates in section 249-9(a); and

(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2715, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2715, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts,

________________________________

CHRIS LEE, Chair