Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR119

Introduced
3/7/25  
Refer
3/11/25  
Report Pass
4/1/25  
Engrossed
4/2/25  
Refer
4/4/25  
Report Pass
4/14/25  

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene A Kailua Bay Advisory Working Group.

Impact

The establishment of the Kailua Bay Advisory Working Group is expected to significantly impact local governance and resource management related to Kailua Pier and Kailua Bay. The group is tasked with monitoring issues around safety, accessibility, and environmental protection, ensuring that local practices are sustainable and that the cultural significance of the pier is maintained. It is particularly critical in addressing concerns such as homelessness and vandalism, which have historically affected the operations and upkeep of pier facilities. Moreover, quarterly reports required from the advisory group will provide continuous oversight and inform legislative responses to emerging challenges.

Summary

SCR119 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to establish a Kailua Bay Advisory Working Group. This initiative aims to address various interjurisdictional issues surrounding the Kailua Pier, which serves as a key economic and cultural hub in West Hawaii. Stakeholders, including state and county representatives as well as community members, are expected to collaboratively address challenges faced by Kailua Pier users and ensure the pier remains beneficial for current and future generations. The resolution emphasizes the importance of ongoing communication and cooperation between governmental and community entities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR119 appears largely positive, with support stemming from various community stakeholders who see it as a step towards collaborative problem-solving in managing the pier. This resolution is viewed as a proactive approach to ensuring that community voices are integrated into the decision-making process. However, it could also provoke debate over the adequacy of solutions provided, particularly regarding persistent issues like homelessness and infrastructure maintenance at the pier.

Contention

A notable point of contention regarding SCR119 lies in the management of Kailua Pier and the effectiveness of the proposed working group. Concerns may arise about whether the diverse membership can adequately represent community interests and whether the group's actions will lead to substantial changes. There remain questions about resource allocation and the potential for conflicts among varied stakeholders, particularly between governmental agencies and community groups. The resolution articulates an ambitious agenda, and its success will depend on effective governance and the commitment of involved parties to work through potential disagreements.

Companion Bills

HI HCR191

Same As Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene A Kailua Bay Advisory Working Group.

HI SR100

Same As Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene A Kailua Bay Advisory Working Group.

Similar Bills

HI SB1112

Relating To The Hawaii Community Development Authority.

HI HB920

Relating To The Hawaii Community Development Authority.

HI HR185

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene A Kailua Bay Advisory Working Group.

HI HCR191

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene A Kailua Bay Advisory Working Group.

HI SR100

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene A Kailua Bay Advisory Working Group.

HI HCR192

Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Establish A Native Hawaiian Economic Development Working Group.

HI SB205

Relating To The Commission On Water Resource Management.

HI HB921

Relating To The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation.