Sample Testimony For Feb 2025
Capitol.hawaii.gov
Oppose SB 364
Dear Senate Water and Land Committee Chair Inouye and Vice Chair Elefante and the Senator committee members Chang, McKelvey, and DeCorte:
Please ‘Hold’ SB364
Although DLNR Chair Chang has talked about the importance of community outreach and involvement, there have been no public meetings with Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor users regarding the harbor, during DLNR Chair Chang’s tenure as Chairperson. (Note: there were two DLNR ‘listening sessions’ on Oahu, Dec 12 (Windward) and 13, 2023 but few attended the Dec 13 (Sand Island) evening meeting, due to rain, traffic, and it was poorly advertised.
As reported in ACT 100, 2025 Division reports, allegedly there has been a ‘working group’ regarding a public-private-partnership (PPP) for the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor. However, I nor anyone I have spoken to knows about or has seen meeting announcements, agenda or minutes for a working group. The harbor users should get to choose a community member to represent us at such meetings. We ask the Senate Water and Land Committee to ask the DOBOR/DLNR to show proof of community input for the Request for Proposal (RFP), or harbor development drawings.
Please HOLD this measure and require DOBOR/DLNR to resume regular public meetings.
I suggest, along with family and ocean recreation peers:
Three open public meetings about this PPP: two in person at a public school campus, and one on Zoom
The Request For Proposal should clearly state the minimum amount of free recreational parking the renovated harbor will have, and a Kama’aina parking rate should be established BEFORE the RFP goes to BLNR for approval and publication
Clearly state that a boat ramp is required, and that a set amount of boat ramp trailer parking is available, at low or no cost.
Clearly state the number of slips that will remain (699-plus-plus now) and the commercial versus recreational slips. (to prevent ‘Creeping Commercialism’.)
The legislature, not BLNR, must approve any use of submerged lands.
The maximum time for the lease should be set by the Legislature, we recommend 30 years. Do not allow a 65 year lease.
Although there is still a need for a Master Plan, the RFP’s should be smaller and develop “ONE LOT AT A TIME", for instance, the former fuel dock area first, then the larger lot near the Prince Waikiki, which is the former ‘Haul Out’ site.
Do NOT lease the harbor to a single corporate entity.
Making specific and detailed contracts that secure the public protections is crucial. There are examples of failed enforcement of PPP contracts, such as the bathrooms Hilton Hawaiian Village was supposed to have available on Duke Kahanamoku Road. Providing this amenity was a major reason the State gave the Hilton significant land area on the road. Much to the dismay of the public, the bathrooms were built but the bathrooms have not been made available for public use.
TESTIMONY OF [YOUR NAME] IN STRONG OPPOSITION OF THE ___________
AGENDA ITEM
Aloha Chair Chang and Members of the Board,
My name is [FILL IN YOUR NAME] and I am writing in strong opposition of the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation’s (DOBOR) staff recommendations to either
[FILL IN PERSONAL INFORMATION, Where do you live, Are you a paddler, boater, or surfer that uses the area? What does this place mean to you?]
Mahalo for your time and consideration,
[YOUR NAME]