Bill Text: HI SB2596 | 2020 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Relating To Conservation.

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 6-1)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2020-01-23 - Referred to WTL/TRS, WAM. [SB2596 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2020-SB2596-Introduced.html

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THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2596
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO CONSERVATION.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that unregulated visitor traffic and pedestrians haphazardly crossing Kamehameha highway are a serious safety concern for both residents and visitors.  Further, the unique recreational and wildlife viewing opportunities at Laniakea beach have resulted in exponential increases in the popularity of Laniakea beach as a visitor destination over the past two decades.  However, the beach's popularity has led to extensive traffic during nearly all weekends and on most weekdays, and the high number of visitors creates havoc for green sea turtles and monk seals resting on the shore.  Accordingly, the legislature believes that it is necessary to develop solutions to increase the quality of life for residents and visitors and balance the provision of public access to the beach and protection of threatened wildlife.

     The legislature further finds that the community would be best served by construction of a wayside park similar to Nuuanu Pali, Laie Point, and Makapuu, that would provide a long-term comprehensive solution to protecting the natural resources and aesthetics of the area surrounding Laniakea beach.  A wayside park would enable the department of land and natural resources to establish a base for immediate response in emergency situations involving the Hawaiian green sea turtle; serve as an educational hub to promote responsible tourism practices; and enable better access to recreation, including surfing, fishing, swimming, snorkeling, wildlife viewing, and beach walking.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to protect the Hawaiian green sea turtle by requiring the department of land and natural resources and department of transportation to take certain actions necessary to create a Laniakea state wayside park and authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds for the planning and construction of the wayside park.

     SECTION 2.  The department of land and natural resources shall:

     (1)  Seek to acquire private or county land that, when combined with state land, will be sufficient to create a Laniakea state wayside park; and

     (2)  In conjunction with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and United States National Marine Fisheries Service, establish a state-protected area for the Hawaiian green sea turtle to protect the turtles and their habitat from encroachment, harassment, and harm.

     SECTION 3.  The department of transportation shall make plans to realign Kamehameha highway mauka of the planned Laniakea wayside park; provided that the realignment, if necessary, shall be resilient and adaptive to rising sea levels and coastal erosion as a result of climate change.

     SECTION 4.  The director of finance is authorized to issue general obligation bonds in the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary is appropriated for fiscal year 2020-2021 for the purpose of and construction of a Laniakea state wayside park, including:

     (1)  Access pathways;

     (2)  Parking for vehicles, bicycles, and shuttles;

     (3)  Comfort stations;

     (4)  Landscaping with native plants and foliage;

     (5)  Erosion control;

     (6)  A lifeguard station;

     (7)  Underground utilities;

     (8)  Signage posted in multiple languages; and

     (9)  Remote security.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  The appropriation made for the capital improvement project authorized by this Act shall not lapse at the end of the fiscal biennium for which the appropriation is made; provided that all moneys from the appropriation unencumbered as of June 30, 2022, shall lapse as of that date.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2020.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

Report Title:

DLNR; DOT; Capital Improvement Projects; Laniakea Wayside Park; Appropriation; GO Bonds

 

Description:

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Transportation to take certain actions necessary to create a Laniakea state wayside park on the north shore of Oahu.  Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds and appropriates funds for planning and construction of the wayside park.

 

 

 

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