STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1877

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1371

H.D. 1

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 Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1371, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE SAND ISLAND STATE RECREATION AREA,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to maximize positive and beneficial uses of recreation areas under the State's jurisdiction.

More specifically, the measure:

(1) Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to prepare a master plan for the Sand Island State Recreation Area that is based on the concept of a "people's park" and includes community and stakeholder participation, a Native Hawaiian arts and cultural center, an assessment of current and future environmental conditions, proposed new facilities and infrastructure, preservation and interpretation of significant historic features, and recommendations for expanding outdoor recreation opportunities; and

(2) Appropriates funds for preparation of the master plan.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Office of the Governor, Department of Land and Natural Resources, PA`I Foundation, The Pillars LLC, Slapp Radio, and numerous individuals.

Your Committee notes that survey data indicate the public's desire for additional outdoor and ocean recreation areas, well‑maintained infrastructure and facilities, and the protection of cultural and historic resources, all of which the Sand Island State Recreation Area has the potential to provide. Your Committee finds that the master plan required by this measure will provide an updated vision to develop the Sand Island State Recreation Area into an attractive and important public resource and community gathering space.

Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical nonsubstantive amendments for purposes of clarity and consistency.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1371, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1371, H.D. 1, S.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

________________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair