HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.C.R. NO.

197

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 
   


HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO WORK WITH THE COMMUNITY TO ASSESS THE FEASIBILITY OF DEVELOPING A PARK AT KEHENA BEACH, HAWAII.

 

WHEREAS, the Puna District in the County of Hawaii has few ocean recreational areas, primarily due to the inundation of lava onto the county's few accessible beaches; and

WHEREAS, the State's beaches and shoreline provide an essential and unique attraction to potential and returning visitors to Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, Kehena Beach is one of the few black sand beaches remaining along the Puna coastline after lava destroyed the legendary Kalapana Beach at Kaimu and other similar beaches, and thus serves as a popular beach site for residents and visitors alike; and

WHEREAS, Kehena Beach is a beautiful black sand beach that is ideal for viewing dolphins and turtles that often frequent the area, and viewing the humpbacks whales that rest there at night during the winter months; and

WHEREAS, Kehena Beach is situated on public lands identified as Tax Map Key No. 1-2-009-021 on a part of the King's Highway, and thus provides visitors with an opportunity to enjoy the rich cultural and historical experience of the Puna coast; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), pursuant to section 184-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, may designate parks and parkways and bring those public lands under its control and management as parts of the state park system; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-Second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2004, the Senate concurring, that DLNR is requested to assess the feasibility of developing a park at Kehena Beach, Puna District, in conjunction with the County of Hawaii; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that DLNR is requested to work with the community to solicit and receive input regarding the concerns or improvement preferences of members of the community; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that DLNR is requested to report its findings and recommendations, including any necessary proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2005; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and the Mayor and members of the Hawaii County Council. Report Title:

Feasibility study to develop a park at Kehena Beach, Hawaii