STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3738

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 2361

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 2361, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE KANEOHE BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to amend the administrative procedures of the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council.

More specifically, this measure:

(1) Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to provide administrative support to the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council;

(2) Requires the chairperson of the Council to be selected by the voting members from among all voting and nonvoting members on an annual and rotating basis; and

(3) Requires the Council to meet quarterly.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Koolau Foundation.

Your Committee finds that the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council functions as a community-based advisory body to the Department of Land and Natural Resources on matters related to the management, use, and protection of Kaneohe Bay. The Council serves as a forum for stakeholder engagement, integrating input from residents, cultural practitioners, environmental organizations, fishers, and commercial operators to inform the implementation of the Kaneohe Bay Master Plan and promote sustainable use of the Bay's resources. Your Committee believes that the amendments made by this measure will enhance the Council's ability to effectively carry out its advisory responsibilities.

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. 2361, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair