House Committee on Tourism adopts shared guiding principles for Waikiki beach restoration, passes SCR 159 SD1 with amendments

The House Committee on Tourism voted April 16 to adopt SCR 159 SD1, a resolution urging shared guiding principles for the restoration of Waikiki beaches, approving technical and stakeholder amendments and carrying the measure by voice vote.

Mary Alice Evans, Director of the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, testified in support and described the resolution as "a collaborative effort" that includes a principle of shared cost. "If there's a private benefit, the private sector needs to pay. If there's a public benefit, the public sector can pay," Evans said, noting the House had allocated green fee funds for the Kūhiō Beach sector as an urgent priority.

Ivan Kwong, representing the Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District Association, said his group submitted proposed amendments to clarify how the shared guiding principles should reflect existing legal authorities. Kwong asked the committee to acknowledge two historical agreements (October 19, 1928, and July 5, 1929) between the Territory of Hawaii and landowners, a May 28, 1965 agreement between the State and private property owners between the Moana Surfrider Hotel and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, and Hawaii Supreme Court precedents that address parties' obligations for seawalls and repairs. "That concept has to be guided in accordance with the law," Kwong told the committee.

Committee members noted written support from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, and the Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaii. No questions were raised during the hearing before the committee recessed briefly and reconvened to consider amendments.

On reconvening, the chair and vice chair recommended adopting technical amendments and incorporating edits from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District Association, and two amendments from the Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaii; they also specified adding the president and executive director of the Waikiki Business Improvement District as named stakeholders to follow the guiding principles. A committee member thanked staff and stakeholders for their work on stewarding Waikiki, noting its economic importance.

The committee moved to a voice vote on SCR 159 SD1. The vice chair's recommendation to pass with amendments was adopted; recorded 'I' responses included Rep. Hassey, Rep. Eli, Rep. Yamashita and Rep. Kilauea. The chair and vice chair indicated support and the resolution carried.

SCR 159 SD1, as amended, urges development and adoption of shared guiding principles for Waikiki beach restoration that account for cost sharing between public and private parties and recognize relevant legal authorities. The committee adjourned following the vote.