STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3419

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.C.R. No. 79

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Public Safety and Military Affairs and Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 79 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING THE UNITED STATES NAVY TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ERADICATION OF OCTOCORAL AND OTHER INVASIVE SPECIES FROM THE WATERS OF PEARL HARBOR, INCLUDING WEST LOCH, MIDDLE LOCH, AND EAST LOCH,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to encourage the United States Navy to take responsibility for the eradication of octocoral and other invasive species from the waters of Pearl Harbor, including West Loch, Middle Loch, and East Loch.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from one individual.

Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Hawaii Military Affairs Council.

Your Committees find that invasive species, particularly invasive octocoral, are a critical threat to the State's unique aquatic ecosystems. Because many native species lack adequate defenses, they are particularly susceptible to invasive species that outcompete them for light and space. The most significant of the harms caused by invasive species often fall on native stony corals, which form the foundation of the State's marine ecosystems and provide natural infrastructure for its islands. While invasive octocorals are currently contained within Pearl Harbor, it is only a matter of time until they spread to other State waters. As the steward of the waters of Pearl Harbor, it is critical for the United States Navy to continue to take action to prevent the spread of octocorals and other invasive species. This measure supports those efforts by encouraging the United States Navy to continue its preventative actions in Pearl Harbor.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Public Safety and Military Affairs and Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 79 and recommend its adoption.

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

________________________________ GLENN WAKAI, Chair

________________________________ CAROL FUKUNAGA, Chair