STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1736-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.R. No. 15

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 Water & Land, to which was referred H.R. No. 15 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO COLLABORATE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND STATE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL COMMISSION TO DEVELOP A STUDENT CORAL STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Department of Land and Natural Resources to collaborate with the Department of Education and State Public Charter School Commission to develop a Student Coral Stewardship Program that assists with public education, outreach, and reef-safe sunscreen awareness at state beaches.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from three individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and one individual.

Your Committee finds that coral reefs are vital to the State's environment, culture, shoreline protection, and economy, yet they are increasingly threatened by climate change, pollution, and human activities. Your Committee further finds that scientific research has shown that certain chemical-based sunscreen ingredients, including oxybenzone and octinoxate, contribute to coral bleaching and harm marine ecosystems when they enter nearshore waters. Your Committee also finds that improving public education and awareness regarding reef-safe practices, including the use of mineral-based sunscreen, can help protect coral reefs while also promoting skin-cancer prevention and public health among residents and visitors alike.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Instead of requesting the Department of Land and Natural Resources to collaborate with the Department of Education and State Public Charter School Commission to develop a Student Coral Stewardship Program, requesting the Department of Education and State Public Charter School Commission to collaborate with the Department of Land and Natural Resources to develop the Program;

(2) Requesting the Department of Education and State Public Charter School Commission, rather than the Department of Land and Natural Resources, to submit a report to the Legislature that summarizes their collaborative efforts;

(3) Amending its title in accordance with its amended purpose; and

(4) 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 Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 15, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Education in the form attached hereto as H.R. No. 15, H.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water & Land,

____________________________

MARK J. HASHEM, Chair