STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1578-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.C.R. No. 106

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Culture & Arts, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 106 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ENDORSING WAIKIKI AS A WORLD SURFING RESERVE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to endorse Waikiki as a World Surfing Reserve.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program; University of Hawaiʻi Climate Resilience Collaborative; Waikīkī Beach Special Improvement District Association; and one individual.

Your Committee finds that Waikiki holds profound cultural, historical, and environmental significance as a center of Native Hawaiian surfing traditions and as a globally recognized destination for wave riding. Waikiki's surf ecosystem supports the State's cultural heritage and its economy, yet faces increasing threats from climate change and environmental degradation. By endorsing Waikiki as a World Surfing Reserve, this measure would elevate awareness, strengthen conservation efforts, and support ongoing community-led initiatives to protect this unique coastal resource.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Culture & Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 106 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Water & Land.

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

____________________________

JEANNE KAPELA, Chair