STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3519

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    H.B. No. 1041

       H.D. 2

       S.D. 2

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1041, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HUNTING,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to enhance the management and protection of resources pertaining to hunting.

 

     Specifically, this measure:

 

(1)  Establishes the Game Management Advisory Commission to serve in an advisory capacity to the Board of Land and Natural Resources for policies and criteria regarding public hunting;

 

(2)  Establishes the composition and powers of the Game Management Advisory Commission;

 

(3)  Requires the Game Management Advisory Commission to submit an annual report to the Legislature; and

 

(4)  Appropriates funds for the establishment of the Game Management Advisory Commission.

 

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Aha Moku Advisory Committee, Hawaii County Game Management Advisory Commission, Hawaii Rifle Association, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Pig Hunters Association of Oahu, Hawaii Sportsmen's Alliance, Hawaii Hunting Association, Hawaii Crop Improvement Association, and thirteen individuals.

 

     Your Committee finds that hunters have expressed criticism of the Department of Land and Natural Resources in managing hunting resources.  Your Committee finds that the establishment of a Game Management Advisory Commission, consisting of licensed hunters, will allow hunters to work more effectively with state agencies in coordinating efforts to conserve and manage game resources.

 

     Your Committee notes that the Department of Land and Natural Resources has requested $100,000 to establish the Game Management Advisory Commission.

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by changing:

 

(1)    The appropriation amount from $100,000 to an unspecified sum; and

 

(2)    The effective date to July 1, 2050,

 

to facilitate further discussion on the measure.

 

     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. 1041, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1041, H.D. 2, S.D. 2.

 

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

 

 

 

________________________________

JILL N. TOKUDA, Chair