Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Comprehensive Management Audit Of The Division Of Boating And Ocean Recreation Of The Department Of Land And Natural Resources.
The resolution highlights the historical context of management inadequacies within the division, referencing past audits that indicated mismanagement, neglect, and a lack of proper funding mechanisms. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining facilities to ensure public safety and recognized the risks posed by deteriorating infrastructure. By calling for a new comprehensive audit, HCR146 seeks to prompt systemic improvements and protect both residents and visitors who utilize these ocean resources.
HCR146 is a House Concurrent Resolution requesting the state auditor to conduct a comprehensive management audit of the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation within Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources. This resolution is particularly significant due to ongoing concerns regarding the management and maintenance of small boat harbors and boating facilities throughout the state. The resolution aims to address the repeated issues surrounding facility management and public safety associated with these maritime areas.
A point of contention lies in the division's previous inability to address the long-term goals set forth in its strategic plan published in 2019. Many facilities have since continued to deteriorate, demonstrating the urgent need for an effective assessment of their current operational strategies and financial management. The resolution's focus on reviewing whether taxes and fees are appropriately used for maintaining small boat harbors raises additional questions about the division's allocation of resources and funding efficiency.
The audit called for by HCR146 aims to not only evaluate the division's management effectiveness but also generate recommendations to improve conditions at small boat harbors and facilities. This can potentially lead to future legislative actions to better fund and manage Hawaii's boating and ocean recreation resources, contributing to enhanced public safety and recreational opportunities across the state.