STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1246

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    H.B. No. 586

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2009

State of Hawaii

 

Madam:

 

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 586, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE KANEOHE BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to sunset the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council (Council) and designate the Department of Land and Natural Resources (Department) as the agency responsible for exercising the duties and functions of the Council, including:

 

     (1)  Facilitating discussions between users of Kaneohe bay and the public;

 

     (2)  Advising the State and the county on the use of Kaneohe bay;

 

     (3)  Educating the public and users of the problems and needs of the bay; and

 

     (4)  Implementing and periodically amending the Kaneohe Bay Master Plan as it relates to ocean activities.

 

     Your Committee received one written comment on this measure.  Written comments may be reviewed on the Legislature's website.

 

     Your Committee acknowledges and appreciates the contributions of the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council and its instrumental role in developing the Kaneohe Bay Master Plan and in addressing issues of concern for both the State and public.  Your Committee feels, however, that current economic conditions make it essential that the Department of Land and Natural Resources focus on its core function of protecting and preserving the State's natural resources and that transferring the Council's duties and functions to the Department is a prudent decision.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 586, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

 

 

 

____________________________

DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair