STAND. COM. REP. 206

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2003

RE: H.B. No. 529

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water, Land Use, and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 529 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CAVE PROTECTION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to:

(1) Allow entry into caves that are a part of state and county parks when entry signs are posted;

(2) Protect the State and counties from liability where open entry to caves is granted and warning signs are posted; and

(3) Include recreational use as a purpose for entering caves. Your Committee finds that several state and county parks have caves that are presently accessible to the public as part of the park program to promote understanding and appreciation of Hawaii's unique natural and cultural resources.

The Consumer Lawyers of Hawaii opposed this bill. The Department of Land and Natural Resources commented on the measure.

Your Committee also finds that any concerns with respect to liability can best be addressed by the Committee on Judiciary.

 

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land Use, and Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 529 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water, Land Use, and Hawaiian Affairs,

 

____________________________

EZRA R. KANOHO, Chair