Bill Text: HI SB2646 | 2010 | Regular Session | Amended

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Bill Title: Hawaii Surfing Reserves; Waikiki; North Shore

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 6-2)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2010-04-29 - (H) Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 667). [SB2646 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2010-SB2646-Amended.html

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THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2646
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2010		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII		H.D. 2
		C.D. 2

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO HAWAII SURFING RESERVES.

 

 

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

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that designating Hawaii surfing reserves would recognize important surf sites and acknowledge their environmental, cultural, sports, and historic significance in Hawaii.  Designation of Hawaii surfing reserves would raise awareness about the importance of protecting, nourishing, and developing Hawaii's world famous surf sites.  Designation of Hawaii surfing reserves would not limit enjoyment of the designated area, particularly with respect to existing recreational and other uses.

     A Hawaii surfing reserve designation achieves three purposes:

     (1)  Formal worldwide recognition of the designated surfing site as an area that has quality surf and significant cultural, historical, and sports value;

     (2)  Recognition of the close relationship between surfers and the ocean; and

     (3)  Promotion of the long-term preservation of Hawaii surfing reserves.

     To date, Australia has designated several areas as surfing reserves, and New Zealand has considered taking similar action to protect its coastal environment.

     The purpose of this Act is to designate the surf breaks:

     (1)  From the Ala Wai to the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium on the island of Oahu; and

     (2)  From Haleiwa to Sunset beach on the island of Oahu,

as Hawaii surfing reserves.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 6E, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§6E-    Hawaii surfing reserves.  (a)  There is established:

(1)  The Waikiki Hawaii surfing reserve, which shall include all surf breaks off the area of Oahu bounded by the Ala Wai and the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium; and

(2)  The north shore Hawaii surfing reserve, which shall include all surf breaks off the area of Oahu from Alii beach in Haleiwa to Sunset beach.

Each Hawaii surfing reserve shall extend from the high water mark and include all surf breaks within the defined reserve.

     (b)  In connection with Hawaii surfing reserves, the department may:

     (1)  Recognize that surfing in all its forms is an asset to the state of Hawaii;

     (2)  Assist in placing appropriate signs or markers provided by the surfing community, other organizations, or individuals that are designed to commemorate and identify the respective Hawaii surfing reserves; and

     (3)  Assist in promoting federal, state, and county collaboration in nourishing and protecting Hawaii surfing reserves.

     (c)  For the purposes of this section:

     "Hawaii surfing reserve" means a part of the coastal environment recognized by the community for the cultural and historical quality and consistency of its surf and its long-term and ongoing relationship between the surf and surfers.  A Hawaii surfing reserve includes the beach and adjacent surf zone from the high water mark and may include features of the marine and coastal zone that intrinsically enhance aspects of the surfing experience.

     "Surfer" means any person who interacts physically with the surf for recreation, including activities such as bodysurfing, bodyboarding, surfing, surfskiing, surfboating, stand-up paddle boarding and all forms of surf lifesaving and lifeguarding, including tow-in surfing; provided that riding waves on machines shall be excluded."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2010.

 

 

 

Report Title:

Hawaii Surfing Reserves; Waikiki; North Shore

 

Description:

Designates two Hawaii surfing reserves, comprising surf breaks off Waikiki from Ala Wai to the War Memorial Natatorium and the north shore of Oahu from Alii beach in Haleiwa to Sunset beach.  (CD2)

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.