STAND. COM. REP. NO. 249

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    S.B. No. 263

 

 

 

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2015

State of Hawaii

 

Madam:

 

     Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred S.B. No. 263 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO KEEHI LAGOON BEACH PARK,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds for the replenishment of the beach at Keehi Lagoon Beach Park.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Na Opio Canoe Racing Association, Na Ohana O Na Hui Waa, and three individuals.

 

     Your Committee finds that the beach at Keehi Lagoon Beach Park has deteriorated.  Over time, the sand has disappeared and jagged rocks and asphalt now protrude, creating dangerous conditions for the children and youth who come for canoe racing practices and competitions.  This community attraction is no longer safe for people to enjoy or engage in recreational activities.

 

     Your Committee further finds that Keehi Lagoon Beach Park is an urban beach park managed by the City and County of Honolulu that has been a popular place for canoe racing and boating for many years.  Although the man-made beach is not suitable for swimming, it is an extremely valuable location to the canoe racing and boating community.  As the home to countless practice sessions and many outrigger canoe regattas, the Keehi Lagoon has touched the lives of thousands of Hawaii's children and youth throughout the years and is a community resource that should be cherished and maintained for many years to come.

 

     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. 263 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

 

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

 

 

 

____________________________

LAURA H. THIELEN, Chair