STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3736

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    H.B. No. 2478

       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 Judiciary, to which was referred H.B. No. 2478, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE PACIFIC MARINE FISHERIES COMPACT,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

 

     (1)  Authorize the Governor to execute a compact on behalf of the State to cooperate in the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC); and

 

     (2)  Establish procedures for selection and succession of commissioners.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

 

     Your Committee finds that the PSMFC is an interstate compact agency that provides a forum to discuss interstate fisheries resources management; coordinates research and management projects related to interstate fisheries and makes this data available to the public; and disperses federal fishery disaster funds.  According to testimony received by your Committee, membership to the PSMFC would not only facilitate improved management of state and regional marine fishery resources, but also increase access to other fisheries' scientists and managers with expertise in matters that the State currently lacks and potentially open avenues for federal funding to enhance the management of Hawaii-based fishery projects.  This measure will provide greater resources for the State's natural resource management agencies and its fishing industry to sustainably manage its aquatic resources. 

 

     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. 2478, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

 

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

 

 

 

________________________________

KARL RHOADS, Chair