The Kauai contingent of legislators and a group of community advocates met with Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke on Friday to celebrate recent legislation that protects natural resources, improves public land access, and supports community initiatives.
“From Hanalei Bay to Wailua River to Kokee State Park, the Kauai delegation addressed a range of needs identified by residents, community organizations, and the Kauai County Council,” said House Speaker Nadine K. Nakamura (D-15, Haena, Wainiha, Hanalei, Princeville, Kilauea, Anahola, Kealia, Kapaa, portion of Wailua, Kawaihau). “I am so pleased with our accomplishments this past session that will benefit Kauai for generations to come.”
Nakamura was joined by Rep. Luke Evslin, Rep. Dee Morikawa, and Senate President Ron Kouchi as the Kauai delegation. Community advocate groups included the Hanalei Initiative, Hui Makaainana o Makana, and the Hanalei-Wainiha-Haena Community Association.
“This reflects the strong partnership between the Kauai delegation, government and community,” said Kouchi. “We worked collaboratively, not just for the good of our island, but for the benefit of the entire state. Initiatives that started as pilot programs on Kauai are now leading by example for communities across Hawaii.”
Some of the celebrated bills signed into law include HB1316 (Act 128): Relating too the Department of Land and Natural Resources that, starting Jan. 1, will require rental vessels to be registered and numbered with the DLNR before being rented or leased.
“This bill strengthens the state’s ability to regulate watercraft, helping to reduce overcrowding, enhance the visitor experience, protect our natural resources, and maintain access for local residents,” said Evslin (D-16, Wailua, Hanamaulu, Kapaia, Lihue, Puhi, portion of Omao). “It supports the goals outlined in the State Tourism Destination Management Plan. I’m grateful to the Legislature for passing this bill and to State Parks for their leadership in championing, implementing, and enforcing it.”
Other bills include:
SB15211 (Act 280): Relating to Hanalei Bay prohibits vessels longer than 75 feet from entering Hanalei Bay. The bill exempts vessels operated by a federal, state, or county agency (HD2).
HB1422 (Act 257): Relating to Motor Carriers exempts community-based organizations engaged in a community-based economic development providing transportation services from the Motor Carrier Law under certain circumstances.
HB735 (Act 224): Relating to Wastewater allows an individual wastewater system to serve up to five bedrooms, regardless of the number of dwellings, dwelling units, or accessory units, whether attached or detached, with certain exclusions (CD1).
HB12348 (Act225): Relating to Public Lands requires the Board of Land and Natural Resources to lease public lands for recreation-residence use by public lottery under certain conditions and restrict participation in the public lottery to residents of the county in which the leased land is located under certain conditions (CD1).
“By restricting the lottery to county residents, this bill will ensure that our local people have priority access to public lands,” said Morikawa (D-17, Niihau, portion of Omao, Koloa, Poipu, Lawai, Kalaheo, Eleele, Hanapepe, Kaumakani Village, Pakala Village, Waimea, Kekaha). “This measure reflects five years of collaboration between State Parks and the Kokee community to create a shared vision for managing this historic area. Additionally, we received unanimous community support and overwhelming backing from the Kokee leaseholder community.”
Source: The Garden Island
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