STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2873

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2477

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2477, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CULTURAL RECOGNITION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to identify and document a historic property, as part of the State's Historic Preservation program.

More specifically, this measure requires the placement of historical markers recognizing the traditional landform on which the Hawaii Kai Towne Center is sited as Maunalua island.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that identifying and documenting historic properties is a key part of the State's historic preservation program. Hawaiian place names are repositories of history, genealogy, and cultural knowledge. Your Committee further finds that "Maunalua" is the traditional Hawaiian place name for the landform upon which the frequently visited Hawaii Kai Towne Center is located. The landform and area have deep cultural and historical meanings. Your Committee recognizes the importance of displaying Hawaiian place names and historical narratives, as this measure requires, to acknowledge and educate the public about the traditional uses and cultural significance of the land.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2477, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair