STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3551

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.R. No. 150

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 Water, Land, Culture and the Arts, to which was referred S.R. No. 150 entitled:

"SENATE RESOLUTION URGING THE ADOPTION OF SHARED GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR THE RESTORATION OF WAIKIKI BEACHES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to urge the adoption of shared guiding principles for the restoration of Waikiki beaches.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Office of Planning and Sustainable Development.

Your Committee finds that the beaches of Waikiki have historically been an epicenter of Hawaiian culture and to this day continue to attract a significant portion of the State's tourists and their expenditures, directly and indirectly helping to contribute millions of dollars to the local economy. Because of their popularity, the beaches require constant maintenance to preserve the quality upon which public enjoyment of them and their economic viability depends. Though state and local government, in coordination with private interests, have tried to produce a long-term strategy for the preservation of Waikiki beaches, your Committee believes that these efforts have been hindered by a lack of shared vision and principles that would ensure the preservation was sustainable and equitable. This measure will recommend strategies to ensure Waikiki beaches remain accessible and profitable for future generations of residents and visitors.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Inserting language specifying that countless local families and residents living in the urban core visit beaches in Waikiki and along the southern shore daily for recreation and relaxation and to spend time with family and friends;

(2) Inserting language specifying that numerous safety incidents regularly occur in the area and must be addressed by providing improved emergency access to the shoreline;

(3) Clarifying that the strategy of prioritization of public access to and enjoyment of the ocean, beach, and shoreline includes a permanent makai pathway along the shoreline that conforms to Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design, provides lateral public access for residents and visitors, and connects beaches and parks from Diamondhead to Kakaako, with sufficient width to also provide emergency access to light-duty emergency vehicles; and

(4) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 150, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as S.R. No. 150, S.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts,

________________________________

CHRIS LEE, Chair