STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2997

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 Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 2363 entitled:

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

begs 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 Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of the Prosecuting Attorney of the City and County of Honolulu, Department of Facility Maintenance of the City and County of Honolulu, and one individual.

Your Committee finds that the counties oversee and maintain public lands within their jurisdictions for the recreational use of residents and visitors and for the preservation of natural, cultural, and infrastructural resources. Your Committee further finds that county agencies frequently encounter situations such as hazardous conditions and overuse, where immediate closure or restriction of public access to these lands is required to keep the public safe or to preserve cultural sites, fragile ecosystems, and other natural resources. This measure provides the counties with clear statutory authority to take action when necessary to ensure the safety and security of residents and visitors and that natural, cultural, and other public resources are preserved for future generations.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2363 and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

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KARL RHOADS, Chair