Supporting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources' Division Of Boating And Ocean Recreation's Efforts To Execute Its Improvement Masterplan For The Honokohau Small Boat Harbor.
The resolution underscores the importance of the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor not just as a commercial entity but as an integral community space that supports local culture and contributes to the economy. It highlights the harbor's existing facilities and its potential for future development. The plan aims to enhance the harbor's utility while ensuring ecological sensitivity, recognizing the anticipated impacts of climate change, and promoting scientific research. This recognition of cultural and environmental factors demonstrates a commitment to sustainable management of natural resources.
SCR176 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution supporting the Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation in executing its improvement masterplan for the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor in Hawaii. This harbor serves as a crucial hub for the West Hawaii community, facilitating local fishermen's activities and providing a base for numerous small businesses, including fishing charters and tour operations. It is noted for having significant economic contribution, generating around $2 million annually for the state and over $100 million for the Hawaii GDP overall.
The resolution implies an ongoing collaboration between the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation and various stakeholders, including local businesses and government representatives. By forming a working group, these parties are addressing how to best utilize and generate revenue from vacant lands within the harbor area. Potential points of contention could arise from competing interests among local businesses, environmental groups, and community members regarding the direction of the harbor's development and its implementation masterplan. Ensuring that the masterplan aligns with local community values while fostering economic growth remains a central concern.
The resolution calls for the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, along with the working group, to submit a report recommending necessary steps to implement the improvement masterplan, including legislative suggestions, by 2023. This anticipated report suggests that further legislative action may be needed to facilitate the plans laid out in the improvement masterplan, which may open discussions on funding, environmental regulations, and community engagement strategies.