Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR43

Introduced
3/7/25  
Refer
3/11/25  
Report Pass
3/31/25  

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Partner With The Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission To Collaboratively Improve And Facilitate The Continued Repair, Rehabilitation, And Redevelopment Of The Kihei Ramp.

Summary

SR43 is a Senate Resolution requesting the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to partner with the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC) to improve, repair, rehabilitate, and redevelop the Kihei ramp in South Kihei, Maui. The resolution describes the ramp as an important access point for the South Maui community for recreation such as fishing and diving, and for KIRC access to Kahoolawe. It also notes that KIRC plans to develop a visitor center adjacent to the ramp. The resolution frames the partnership as a way to better manage the facility and leverage private investment and support, citing DLNR’s existing practice of collaborating with community nonprofits on state projects and facilities. It does not itself change statutory law or appropriate funds; instead, it expresses the Senate’s request and intent that the agencies work together on the project and transmits copies to relevant state and county officials.

Impact

Because SR43 is a resolution rather than a bill, it does not amend the Hawaii Revised Statutes or create binding legal obligations. Its practical effect is to formally encourage coordination between DLNR, the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, and KIRC regarding the Kihei ramp, potentially supporting future maintenance, rehabilitation, redevelopment, and related planning efforts. It may also help legitimize or facilitate future public-private collaboration and local government involvement around the ramp and any adjacent visitor center development.

Sentiment

The available voting history suggests strong support: the Senate Water and Land Committee passed the resolution 5-0 with amendments. The text itself is positive and collaborative in tone, emphasizing community use, stewardship, and leveraging partnerships to address maintenance needs. No opposing testimony or recorded controversy is provided in the materials, indicating general favorable sentiment toward the resolution.

Contention

No major contention is evident in the provided record. The only potentially sensitive issue is the use of a state facility in connection with KIRC’s access to Kahoolawe and its planned visitor center, which could raise questions about land use, prioritization of public resources, or the scope of private investment involvement. However, the resolution presents these points as benefits rather than disputes, and the committee vote shows no recorded opposition.

Companion Bills

HI SCR59

Same As Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Partner With The Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission To Collaboratively Improve And Facilitate The Continued Repair, Rehabilitation, And Redevelopment Of The Kihei Ramp.

Similar Bills

HI SCR59

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Partner With The Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission To Collaboratively Improve And Facilitate The Continued Repair, Rehabilitation, And Redevelopment Of The Kihei Ramp.

HI SB3253

Relating To Conservation.

HI SR16

Requesting The Division Of Aquatic Resources To Collaborate With The Department Of Education And State Public Charter School Commission To Develop And Propose A Framework For A Student Coral Stewardship Program.

HI HCR13

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Collaborate With The Department Of Education And State Public Charter School Commission To Develop A Student Coral Stewardship Program.

HI SCR19

Requesting The Department Of Education And State Public Charter School Commission To Collaborate With The Division Of Aquatic Resources Of The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Develop And Propose A Framework For A Student Coral Stewardship Program.

HI HB2361

Relating To The Kaneohe Bay Regional Council.

HI HR36

Encouraging Each County To Establish Its Own Biosecurity Plan That Prioritizes The Needs Of The County.

HI HCR191

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