STAND. COM. REP. NO.  578

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2021

 

RE:   H.B. No. 1023

      H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 1023, H.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO A NONRESIDENT RECREATIONAL MARINE FISHING LICENSE,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to help the State identify and develop sustainable sources of funding to effectively manage its fisheries by establishing a nonresident recreational marine fishing license and associated fees.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Coral Fish Hawaii/Hawaii Sustainable Reef Fisheries, and one individual.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from two individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from Pono Advocacy and For the Fishes.

 

Your Committee finds that although Hawaii's marine fisheries attract thousands of nonresident visitors each year, Hawaii residents are solely responsible for paying the taxes that support the state fisheries management programs.  As a result, nonresidents recreational fishers directly benefit from enjoyment of the State's marine fishery resources without directly contributing to the management of these valuable resources.  This measure will provide an additional source of funding to protect these resources.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1023, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

 

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

MARK M. NAKASHIMA, Chair