SB 465: DLNR; Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor; Report; Appropriation

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE KIKIAOLA SMALL BOAT HARBOR.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  (a)  The department of land and natural resources shall conduct a carrying capacity study of Kikiaola small boat harbor in the county of Kauai.  The study shall:

     (1)  Include an assessment of the carrying capacity of the Kikiaola small boat harbor and its surrounding area, including an estimate of the number of persons and the amount of human activity that the harbor can sustain without degrading natural resources, cultural resources, or experiences by visitors and residents; provided that the carrying capacity assessed shall include the capacity effects of any improvements that have been approved as of the effective date of this Act, including the construction of a second boat launch ramp;

     (2)  Assess the effectiveness of existing use restrictions and management practices;

     (3)  Determine whether commercial tour operators have been allowed by the department to increase the number of passengers allowed in their operations without review or understanding of the effects on the harbor's infrastructure or natural resources;

     (4)  Assess the potential effectiveness of visitor use restrictions and management practices; and

     (5)  Propose long-term management options to reduce the impact of humans on the health and abundance of natural resources, cultural resources, and native species within and around the harbor.

     (b)  In conducting the study, the department of land and natural resources shall consult with the county of Kauai, relevant community organizations, and other relevant entities.

     (c)  The department of land and natural resources shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $250,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 for the department of land and natural resources to conduct a carrying capacity study of Kikiaola small boat harbor in the county of Kauai.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

Report Title:

DLNR; Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor; Report; Appropriation

Description:

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to conduct a study of the carrying capacity of Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor and its surrounding area in the County of Kauai.  Requires a report to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.  (CD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE KIKIAOLA SMALL BOAT HARBOR.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  (a)  The department of land and natural resources shall conduct a carrying capacity study of Kikiaola small boat harbor in the county of Kauai.  The study shall:

     (1)  Include an assessment of the carrying capacity of the Kikiaola small boat harbor and its surrounding area, including an estimate of the number of persons and the amount of human activity that the harbor can sustain without degrading natural resources, cultural resources, or experiences by visitors and residents; provided that the carrying capacity assessed shall include the capacity effects of any improvements that have been approved as of the effective date of this Act, including the construction of a second boat launch ramp;

     (2)  Assess the effectiveness of existing use restrictions and management practices;

     (3)  Determine whether commercial tour operators have been allowed by the department to increase the number of passengers allowed in their operations without review or understanding of the effects on the harbor's infrastructure or natural resources;

     (4)  Assess the potential effectiveness of visitor use restrictions and management practices; and

     (5)  Propose long-term management options to reduce the impact of humans on the health and abundance of natural resources, cultural resources, and native species within and around the harbor.

     (b)  In conducting the study, the department of land and natural resources shall consult with the county of Kauai, relevant community organizations, and other relevant entities.

     (c)  The department of land and natural resources shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 for the department of land and natural resources to conduct a carrying capacity study of Kikiaola small boat harbor in the county of Kauai.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

DLNR; Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor; Report; Appropriation

Description:

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to conduct a study of the carrying capacity of Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor and its surrounding area in the County of Kauai.  Requires a report to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE KIKIAOLA SMALL BOAT HARBOR.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  (a)  The department of land and natural resources shall conduct a carrying capacity study of Kikiaola small boat harbor in the county of Kauai.  The study shall:

     (1)  Include an assessment of the carrying capacity of the Kikiaola small boat harbor, including an estimate of the number of persons and the amount of human activity that the harbor can sustain without degrading natural resources, cultural resources, or experiences by visitors and residents;

     (2)  Assess the effectiveness of existing use restrictions and management practices;

     (3)  Determine whether commercial tour operators have been allowed by the department to increase the number of passengers allowed in their operations without review or understanding of the effects on the harbor's infrastructure or natural resources;

     (4)  Assess the potential effectiveness of visitor use restrictions and management practices; and

     (5)  Propose long-term management options to reduce the impact of humans on the health and abundance of natural resources, cultural resources, and native species within and around the harbor.

     (b)  In conducting the study, the department of land and natural resources shall consult with the county of Kauai, relevant community organizations, and other relevant entities.

     (c)  The department of land and natural resources shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 for the department of land and natural resources to conduct a carrying capacity study of Kikiaola small boat harbor in the county of Kauai.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

DLNR; Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor; Report; Appropriation

Description:

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to conduct a study of the carrying capacity of Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor in the County of Kauai.  Requires a report to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to the KIKIAOLA small boat harbor.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The department of land and natural resources shall conduct a carrying capacity study of Kikiaola small boat harbor in the county of Kauai.  The study shall:

     (1)  Include an assessment of the carrying capacity of the Kikiaola small boat harbor, including an estimate of the number of persons and the amount of human activity that the harbor can sustain without degrading natural resources, cultural resources, or experiences by visitors and residents;

     (2)  Assess the effectiveness of existing use restrictions and management practices;

     (3)  Determine whether commercial tour operators have been allowed by the department to increase the number of passengers allowed in their operations without review or understanding of the effects on the harbor's infrastructure or natural resources;

     (4)  Assess the potential effectiveness of visitor use restrictions and management practices; and

     (5)  Propose long-term management options to reduce the impact of humans on the health and abundance of natural resources, cultural resources, and native species within and around the harbor.

     (b)  In conducting the study, the department of land and natural resources shall consult with the county of Kauai, relevant community organizations, and other relevant entities.

     (c)  The department of land and natural resources shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 for the department of land and natural resources to conduct a carrying capacity study of Kikiaola small boat harbor in the county of Kauai.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

Report Title:

DLNR; Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor; Report; Appropriation

Description:

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to conduct a study of the carrying capacity of Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor in the County of Kauai.  Requires a report to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP. NO. 135

Honolulu, Hawaii

                 , 2025

RE:    S.B. No. 465

       S.D. 1

       H.D. 1

       C.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir and Madam:

     Your Committee on Conference on the disagreeing vote of the Senate to the amendments proposed by the House of Representatives in S.B. No. 465, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE KIKIAOLA SMALL BOAT HARBOR,"

having met, and after full and free discussion, has agreed to recommend and does recommend to the respective Houses the final passage of this bill in an amended form.

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Require the Department of Land and Natural Resources to conduct a study of the carrying capacity of Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor and its surrounding area in the County of Kauai;

     (2)  Require a report to the Legislature; and

     (3)  Appropriate funds.

     Your Committee on Conference finds that Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor is experiencing an increase in boating activities, reducing water quality in the harbor and the surrounding waters.  This measure will ensure that Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor remains a safe and functional space for boaters, fishermen, and members of the community by requiring the Department of Land and Natural Resources to conduct a carrying capacity study of the harbor.

     Your Committee on Conference has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Inserting an appropriation amount of $250,000 for fiscal year 2025-2026 for the Department of Natural Resources to conduct a carrying capacity study of Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor; and

     (2)  Changing its effective date to July 1, 2025.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the managers of your Committee on Conference that is attached to this report, your Committee on Conference is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 465, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Final Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 465, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, C.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the managers:

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1921

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   S.B. No. 465

      S.D. 1

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred S.B. No. 465, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE KIKIAOLA SMALL BOAT HARBOR,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to require and appropriate funds for the Department of Land and Natural Resources to conduct a study of the carrying capacity of Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor and its surrounding area in the County of Kauai.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one member of the Kaua‘i County Council.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 465, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1497

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   S.B. No. 465

      S.D. 1

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Water & Land, to which was referred S.B. No. 465, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE KIKIAOLA SMALL BOAT HARBOR,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to require and appropriate funds for the Department of Land and Natural Resources to conduct a study of the carrying capacity of Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor in the County of Kauai.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one member of the Kaua‘i County Council and one individual.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Chamber of Sustainable Commerce; Explore Kauai Scuba; and six individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

     Your Committee finds that Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor is a critical access point for Kauai's coastal communities, serving boaters, fishers, and tour operators.  However, increasing activity at the harbor raises concerns about environmental degradation, overcrowding, safety risks, and infrastructure strain.  A comprehensive carrying capacity study will provide essential data on the harbor's ability to sustain human activity without harming natural and cultural resources.  This measure directs the Department of Land and Natural Resources to conduct the study, assess current management practices, and propose long-term strategies to balance sustainable use with environmental and community needs, ensuring that Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor remains a safe and viable resource for future generations.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Requiring the carrying capacity assessed by the study to include the area surrounding Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor and the capacity effects of any approved improvements to the Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor, including the construction of a second boat launch ramp; and

     (2)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 465, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 465, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 758

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 465

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 465 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE KIKIAOLA SMALL BOAT HARBOR,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to require the Department of Land and Natural Resources to conduct a study of the carrying capacity of Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor in the County of Kauai and submit a report to the Legislature.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Purple Maia Foundation.

     Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from Captain Andy's Sailing; Explore Kauai Scuba, LLC.; Komohana Charters; Ocean Tourism Coalition; and numerous individuals.

     Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

     Your Committee finds that Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor is a public resource and an access point for Kauai's coastal communities.  Your Committee further finds that a study of the harbor's carrying capacity is necessary to better understand environmental concerns, mitigate overcrowding, reduce safety risks, and avoid damage to infrastructure.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by changing 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 S.B. No. 465, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 465, S.D. 1.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 363

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 465

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred S.B. No. 465 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE KIKIAOLA SMALL BOAT HARBOR,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to require the Department of Land and Natural Resources to conduct a study of the carrying capacity of Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one member of the Kauaʻi County Council, Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy, and one individual.

     Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from five individuals.

     Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

     Your Committee finds that there is concern that the Department of Land and Natural Resources has authorized commercial tour operations to increase the amount of passengers allowed in their operations at Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor without prior review or understanding of the effects on the Harbor's infrastructure.  Accordingly, this measure ensures that Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor is used properly to meet the needs of the community and environmental protection standards.

     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. 465 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

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