STAND. COM. REP. NO. 266

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                   

 

RE:     S.B. No. 1500

        S.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred S.B. No. 1500 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WATER CIRCULATION,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to require the Department of Land and Natural Resources to collaborate with various agencies to research and develop a plan for a mechanism for increased water circulation in Pokai Bay on Oahu's leeward coast to mitigate environmental and health risks caused by pollution and contaminants in the water.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Aha Moku Advisory Committee, Oahu County Committee on Legislative Priorities of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, Na Kama Kai, Hoomanapono Political Action Committee, and six individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

 

     Your Committee finds that Pokai Bay is one of the most visited ocean areas on Oahu's leeward coast because of its wide sandy beach and relatively calm waters; however, despite its pristine appearance of crystal blue waters and white sand, it is sadly the site of pollution from multiple sources.  Your Committee further finds that various methods of artificial water circulation, including jet aeration and pumping systems, to increase oxygenation, improve water quality, and mitigate environmental damage caused by shoreline destruction and water contamination have worked across the world and believes such methods can be employed in Pokai Bay to reduce pollution and restore its beauty.

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

 

     (1)  Replacing the Department of Land and Natural Resources with the Department of Health as the lead agency;

 

     (2)  Directing the Department of Health to collaborate with the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Aha Moku Advisory Committee, rather than a representative from a list provided by native Hawaiian organizations, in addition to other entities specified;

 

     (3)  Inserting an effective date of December 31, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

 

     (4)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water and Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1500, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1500, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

 

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

 

 

 

________________________________

KAIALI'I KAHELE, Chair