State Legislative Update

At least two bills related to shoreline access are still alive, according to my sources. Stuart Coleman of Surfrider has been talking to legislators about a carry-over bill from last year, SB1088, which would make it more feasible for citizens to go to court over blocked beach access ways. Rep. Karamatsu told Stuart that he didn't see any reason to hold it back. We'll see.

As for the vegetation bill, HB1808, Lucinda Pyles sent this update:

Thank you to all who have contributed to this effort to getting this bill, addressing the induced vegetation overgrowth onto our beaches, this far.

HB1808 has passed, with amendments, all three House committees (WLO, JUD & FIN) it was referred to with all voting members in support. Last night, another Neighborhood Board, Hawaii Kai, passed a resolution in support, (Waialae-Kahala, Kuliouou-Kalani and Kailua-Lanikai had already). DLNR, DBEDT, OHA and the Sierra Club are in support and many others.

Next week is cross over to the Senate. We are hoping it will be referred to just one Senate Committee since three House Committees have already heard it.

My understanding is that it is likely to be referred to Water, Land, Agriculture, and Hawaiian Affairs Committee, Clayton Hee Chair and Jill Tokuda Vice-Chair. Committee members are Senators Bunda, Fukunaga, Kokubun, Takamine and Hemmings.

Please have your testimony ready :)

Lucinda
732-6262
Email: kahalabob@aol.com