Bill > SB364

This bill establishes a State Boating Facility Lease Program within the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, specifically targeting the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor on Oahu. The legislation aims to address DOBOR's significant challenges, including approximately $1.1 billion in deferred maintenance and limited resources to manage its thirteen statutory mandates. The bill authorizes the Board of Land and Natural Resources to lease the entire Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor through public auction, request for proposals, or direct negotiation for private development, management, and operation. This approach is modeled after the successful public-private partnership at Kewalo Basin Harbor, which has resulted in timely repairs and improved harbor management. The lease program is exempted from certain prior legislative authorization requirements and will be in effect until June 30, 2045, with the department required to submit annual reports to the Legislature about the program's progress and potential future modifications. Additionally, the bill ensures that existing DOBOR employees will retain their civil service status and benefits during any transition, and it aims to help DOBOR refocus its resources on administering the ocean recreation management program more effectively.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=364&year=2025