STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1528-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: S.B. No. 2818

S.D. 2

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 S.B. No. 2818, S.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO BOATING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to strengthen the penalties for violations of boating and ocean recreation laws and clarify the violations that constitute unauthorized conduct under chapter 200, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of the Attorney General and Department of Land and Natural Resources. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Maui Chamber of Commerce and Activities & Attractions Association of Hawaii, Inc.

Your Committee finds that small boat harbors and boating facilities are some of the most heavily used facilities in the State for commercial and non-commercial use and by residents and visitors alike. Your Committee further finds that enforcement efforts at small boat harbors and boating facilities are necessary to ensure public health and safety and to prevent vandalism, theft, trespassing, and squatting. Your Committee also finds that stricter penalties are needed to more strongly deter violators and repeat offenders.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing its effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) 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 is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2818, S.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2818, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

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

____________________________

MARK J. HASHEM, Chair