HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.R. NO.

75

TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

HOUSE RESOLUTION

 

 

requesting the department of land and natural resources, division of conservation and resources enforcement, to provide limited enforcement services at night on a regular basis and to continue providing enforcement services on weekends and holidays at kaneohe bay.

 

 

 


     WHEREAS, Kaneohe Bay, located on the windward coast of Oahu, is enjoyed by many island residents and visitors alike as an area for swimming, fishing, water skiing, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, jet-skiing, and boating; and

 

     WHEREAS, on days of southerly winds and swells you can find scores of boats being launched from Heeia Kea pier for a day of fishing along the windward coast; and

 

     WHEREAS, on holidays and weekends you can also find scores of boaters partying on Ahu o Laka enjoying the sun and the sea; and

 

     WHEREAS, in the past, partying by boaters on Ahu o Laka has resulted in confrontations between boaters due to intoxication, causing serious injuries; and

 

     WHEREAS, the community has lodged numerous complaints with the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE), regarding the fighting and excessive drinking on Ahu o Laka, and the abundance of debris, including bottles, cans, and charcoal, left behind by the boaters on Ahu o Laka; and

 

     WHEREAS, other incidents involving boaters, snorkelers, scuba divers, and other users have also occurred at Kaneohe Bay on other days of the week; and

 

     WHEREAS, at night, individuals are known to illegally take marine life; and

 

     WHEREAS, it has been rumored that DOCARE is planning to suspend the provision of enforcement services on weekends and holidays as a cost-cutting measure; and

 

     WHEREAS, the enforcement services of DOCARE are necessary at Kaneohe Bay despite the economic conditions, to ensure the safety of bay users and proper enforcement of natural resource laws and rules; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-fifth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2009, that DOCARE, is requested to provide limited enforcement services at night on a regular basis and to continue providing enforcement services on weekends and holidays at Kaneohe Bay; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that DOCARE is requested to adjust, as necessary, the work schedules of its enforcement officers to limit financial strain as much as possible, yet ensure the provision of necessary enforcement services on weekends and holidays, and at night on a limited basis; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor and Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

 

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

 

 

Report Title: 

Kaneohe Bay; Conservation and Resources Enforcement Services