STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1357

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2005

RE: H.C.R. No. 91

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water, Land, & Ocean Resources, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 91 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING PARTICIPATION IN THE FEDERAL PROGRAM TO ASSIST STATES IN OBTAINING SCRAPPED FEDERAL SHIPS TO USE AS ARTIFICIAL REEFS IN THE WATERS OF THE STATE OF HAWAII,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this concurrent resolution is to help preserve marine ecosystems and coasts by requesting the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to:

(1) Actively participate in the federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration, providing states with federal funds to offset the cost of remediating scrapped federal maritime ships for use as artificial reefs;

(2) Designate the Waianae coast as its initial location for sinking any acquired scrapped federal ship to establish an artificial reef; and

(3) Report to the Legislature on its efforts to comply with this measure at least 20 days prior to the convening of the 2006 Regular Session.

DLNR and the Maritime Consultants of the Pacific testified in support of this measure.

Your Committee finds that scrapped maritime vessels serve as excellent artificial reefs that provide an ideal habitat for marine life, help create additional surf breaks, and diminish beach erosion. The Waianae coast, a popular site for recreational and commercial fishing, is one area in particular that would benefit from the creation of additional artificial reefs to maintain or increase marine life populations. However, the necessary remediation of scrapped vessels to remove harmful pollutants is often costly. The State's participation in federal programs offsetting the cost of remediating scrapped federal ships will render the use of these vessels as artificial reefs more economically feasible.

Your Committee also notes DLNR's testimony that DLNR:

(1) Participates in the Navy's ship disposal program in obtaining vessels from Pearl Harbor for use in its artificial reef program; and

(2) Has designated an artificial reef site at Waianae and will attempt to find an appropriate vessel for that site.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land, & Ocean Resources that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 91 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water, Land, & Ocean Resources,

 

____________________________

EZRA R. KANOHO, Chair