To alleviate these issues, HB1936 establishes a state boating facility management lease program specifically for the Ala Wai small boat harbor on Oahu. This program will allow the Board of Land and Natural Resources to lease the management of the harbor entirely—covering both fast lands and submerged lands—through mechanisms like public auction, requests for proposals, or direct negotiations for private development. This approach is inspired by the successful management model seen at the Kewalo basin harbor, which operates under a similar public-private partnership, leading to improved maintenance and user experience.
Summary
House Bill 1936 aims to address the operational and management challenges faced by the division of boating and ocean recreation under the Department of Land and Natural Resources in Hawaii. The bill finds that the existing division is hampered by a lack of funding and resources, making it difficult to manage state small boat harbors effectively or to oversee a comprehensive ocean recreation management program. With reported deferred maintenance costs exceeding $1 billion, the ability to properly facilitate operations and ensure safety and user satisfaction at these facilities is severely compromised.
Contention
Notably, concerns may arise around the implications of transferring management to private entities. While proponents argue that private management will enhance efficiency and maintenance, opponents might worry about potential over-commercialization of public resources and the impact on local users. By exempting the state boating facility management lease program from typical notice and legislative authorization requirements, the bill might face scrutiny regarding transparency and public accountability. Additionally, there could be discussions about ensuring that the interests of all stakeholders, including local communities and recreational users, are considered in the management processes.
A resolution to direct the Clerk of the House of Representatives to only present to the Governor enrolled House bills finally passed by both houses of the One Hundred Third Legislature.
Relating to nonsubstantive additions to, revisions of, and corrections in enacted codes, to the nonsubstantive codification or disposition of various laws omitted from enacted codes, and to conforming codifications enacted by the 88th Legislature to other Acts of that legislature.