STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3918

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.C.R. No. 33

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Health and Human Services, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 33 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING HAWAIʻI COUNTY, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE PUAKŌ COMMUNITY, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS, TO COMPLETE THE PUAKŌ SEWAGE PROJECT,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to encourage Hawaiʻi County, in collaboration with the Puakō community, Department of Health, and other stakeholders, to complete the Puakō Sewage Project.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, Wastewater Alternatives & Innovations, Puakō For Reefs, and two individuals.

Your Committees find that the Puakō Reef is experiencing declining live coral population, particularly due to the inadequate processing of wastewater and sewage. The Department of Health has concluded that the construction of sewage systems and conversion of cesspools at Puakō is a priority for the State to protect public health and the environment. Completing the Puakō Sewage Project will require collaboration between the State, County of Hawaii, and other public, private, philanthropic, and community partners. This measure demonstrates the State's generational investment to enhance coral resiliency, encourage ecological recovery, reduce pollution, and protect the Puakō community.

Your Committees acknowledge the comments raised in the testimony of the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo that the University conducts critical research at Puako and that the Marine Science Department is uniquely positioned to provide the data, research, and environmental monitoring essential for the success of the Puako Sewage Project. Your Committees recognize the University's request to be included as a stakeholder and collaborator for the Project. Therefore, amendments to this measure are necessary to address this matter.

Accordingly, your Committees have amended this measure by:

(1) Adding language to include the University of Hawaii at Hilo as a stakeholder and resource for research, environmental monitoring, and technical assistance for the planning and implementation of the Puakō Sewage Project;

(2) Updating the list of parties entitled to receive certified copies of the measure;

(3) Amending its title to reflect its amended purpose; and

(4) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Health and Human Services that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 33, as amended herein, and recommend its adoption in the form attached hereto as H.C.R. No. 33, S.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Health and Human Services,

________________________________ JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair

________________________________ MIKE GABBARD, Chair