STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2322

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2363

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Safety and Military Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 2363 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE COUNTIES,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to authorize the counties to close public lands when necessary to protect public health, ensure public safety, or preserve natural or cultural resources.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department Land and Natural Resources, Department of Transportation, Department of the Prosecuting Attorney of the City and County of Honolulu, and Department of Facility Maintenance of the City and County of Honolulu.

Your Committees find that as the counties manage and control public lands within their jurisdictions, clear local authority is necessary to address any issues that can be a threat or hazard to public safety. County agencies frequently encounter situations where immediate action is required to keep the public safe, maintain culturally significant sites, or protect fragile ecosystems. This measure will clarify county authority and provide an additional tool to manage public access during unsafe conditions, which is critical to protect the health and safety of residents and visitors.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Safety and Military Affairs that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2363 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Safety and Military Affairs,

________________________________ CAROL FUKUNAGA, Chair

________________________________ GLENN WAKAI, Chair