STAND. COM. REP. NO.979

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2001

RE: S.B. No. 1469

S.D. 1

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 1469 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LAND USE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to identify and designate marginal agricultural lands for inclusion into the state rural district.

Specifically, this measure:

(1) Provides for open area recreational uses in the rural district;

(2) Increases the minimum lot size for agricultural districts from one to five acres from July 1, 2002; and

(3) Creates a rural and agricultural lands task force to serve for one year.

Your Committee finds that the protection of rural lands is important if Hawaii is to maintain its image as a place of greenery and scenic areas unspoiled by urbanization and development. Under this measure, the function of marginal agricultural lands in promoting non-farm uses and serving as a conservation resource can be examined for the long-term goal of preserving open space and avoiding the expansion of urban infrastructure.

Your Committee has amended this bill by making technical nonsubstantive changes in keeping with proper drafting style.

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 S.B. No. 1469, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1469, S.D. 1.

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

____________________________

BRIAN T. TANIGUCHI, Chair