STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1479

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: S.B. No. 403

S.D. 1

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Culture, Arts & International Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 403, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CORAL,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to repeal the designation of black coral as the official gem of the State.

Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from Maui Divers of Hawaii. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii's coral reefs are vital to marine ecosystems and are home to many endemic and native species. Designated as the official gem of the State by Act 9, Session Laws of Hawaii 1987, black coral played a significant role in marketing campaigns showcasing Hawaii's beauty. However, the long-term promotion of Hawaii and its natural resources, including black coral, has led to increased commercial use of coral, contributing to the decline and degradation of coral reefs. Your Committee further finds that this measure would help preserve the State's prized natural resources to ensure longevity and revitalization of coral reefs and marine ecosystems across the State.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the effective date to June 30, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) 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 Culture, Arts & International Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 403, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 403, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Culture, Arts & International Affairs,

____________________________

ADRIAN K. TAM, Chair