STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2315

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2810

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 Water and Land, to which was referred S.B. No. 2810 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE POLOLU VALLEY MANAGEMENT EFFORTS ON HAWAII ISLAND,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds to the Division of Forestry and Wildlife of the Department of Land and Natural Resources for the management of Pololu Valley, including various improvements necessary for conservation and protection.

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

Your Committee finds that Pololu Valley, which is situated on the northern coast of the island of Hawaii, attracts numerous tourists and other visitors on account of its unparalleled natural beauty, lush landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and cultural significance to Native Hawaiians. The area's lack of convenient restrooms and visitor education center have contributed to safety and litter issues that harm Pololu Valley. This measure will help to safeguard and prevent the decline of Pololu Valley and ensure that future generations may enjoy it.

Your Committee has amended this measure by inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water and Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2810, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2810, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

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

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LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair