STAND. COM. REP. NO. 985-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 1765

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 1765, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SPEARFISHING SAFETY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish certain safety-warning requirements regarding spearfishing.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Keiki Injury Prevention Coalition; FreediveSafe! Hawaiʻi; Skeeprong; Hawaiian Lifeguard Association; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from two individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Your Committee finds that hypoxia, including shallow-water blackout, is a serious risk associated with breath-hold spearfishing. Your Committee further finds that spearfishing is the second leading activity associated with Hawaii resident ocean drownings. Hypoxia and shallow-water blackout are well-documented dangers; however, their risks can be significantly reduced through improved awareness and safety education. This measure therefore promotes consumer protection by requiring a point-of-sale disclosure, which will promote informed decision-making when purchasing specialized equipment associated with higher-risk activities.

Your Committee notes the concerns regarding the increased costs that the labeling requirements proposed by this measure may pose for small businesses. Your Committee believes that an equally important aspect is the need for more functional training or public service announcement campaigns to educate people about the risks associated with spearfishing and other high-risk activities, rather than relying solely on a label.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1765, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

SCOT Z. MATAYOSHI, Chair