STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1912-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: S.C.R. No. 67

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 Water & Land, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 67 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE LEGISLATURE TO PRESERVE, PROTECT, AND RESTORE LIMU KALA,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the Legislature to preserve, protect, and restore limu kala to the full extent of its capability.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Your Committee received comments on this measure from Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAuamo; Mālama Pūpūkea-Waimea; and one individual.

Your Committee finds that the Legislature recognized the critical role of limu kala in Hawaii's nearshore ecosystems and Native Hawaiian history and culture through the passage of Act 230, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023, which designated limu kala as the state limu of Hawaii. However, populations of Native Hawaiian limu, including limu kala, have been severely damaged by the ongoing effects of climate change, development, and pollution runoff. This measure reiterates the Legislature's commitment to supporting healthy reefs and nearshore ecosystems in the State by urging the protection and restoration of all Native Hawaiian limu populations.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Broadening it to include Native Hawaiian limu in general;

(2) Amending its title accordingly; 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 Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 67, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as S.C.R. No. 67, H.D. 1.

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

____________________________

LINDA ICHIYAMA, Chair