STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1538

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    H.C.R. No. 96

 

 

 

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2009

State of Hawaii

 

Madam:

 

     Your Committee on Water, Land, Agriculture, and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 96 entitled:

 

"HOUSE CONCURRENT 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,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to request the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE), to provide limited enforcement services at night on a regular basis and to continue providing enforcement services on weekends and holidays at Kaneohe Bay.

 

     Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by one organization.  One state agency submitted comments.  Written testimony presented to your Committee may be reviewed on the Legislature's website.

 

     Kaneohe Bay is enjoyed by many island residents and visitors, scores of boaters launch from Heeia Kea pier to fish or party on Ahu o Laka during the holidays and weekends.  In the past, partying by boaters on Ahu o Laka has resulted in confrontations between boaters due to intoxication, an abundance of debris left behind, and other incidents involving snorkelers and scuba divers.  Your Committee finds that DOCARE may be planning to suspend enforcement services on the weekends and holidays as a cost‑cutting measure during the present economic conditions.  However, continued enforcement services are requested to ensure the safety of bay users and proper enforcement of natural resource laws and rules. 

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land, Agriculture, and Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 96, and recommends its adoption.

 

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

 

 

 

____________________________

CLAYTON HEE, Chair