STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2977

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 3032

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 Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 3032, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO BEACHES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to clarify that the prohibition on the taking or mining of beach or marine deposits, including sand, seaward from the shoreline includes licensed and unlicensed contractors.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Surfrider Foundation Hawaiʻi Region and three individuals.

Your Committee finds that illegal sand removal, often undertaken in response to erosion pressures, accelerates beach loss and compromises public trust resources. While state law prohibits the removal or disturbance of sand from public beaches, uncertainty over who may be held accountable for violations has undermined enforcement, primarily benefiting contractors as repeat offenders. This bill addresses the enforcement gap by ensuring all parties involved in illegal sand removal are clearly accountable under the law, thereby strengthening the State's ability to protect its beaches.

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. 3032, S.D. 1, 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