SPECIAL DAY/WEEK/MONTH: Designates Wednesday, April 16, 2025, as Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival Day at the state capitol.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bill Wheat

SCR 5 authorizes a 25-year easement for concrete stairs on state submerged lands in Waikiki, enhancing public beach access while ensuring maintenance responsibilities.

Sent to the Secretary of State by the Secretary of the Senate.

Bill Overview

Bill Number: SCR 5
Title: Authorizing the Issuance of a Twenty-Five-Year Term, Non-Exclusive Easement Covering a Portion of State Submerged Lands at Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu, for Concrete Stairs, and for Use, Repair, and Maintenance of the Improvements Constructed Thereon.
Status: Received notice of Adoption (Sen. Com. No. 877)
Introduced: February 26, 2025
Classification: Concurrent Resolution

Purpose and Intent

SCR 5 aims to authorize the issuance of a non-exclusive easement for a duration of twenty-five years over a specified area of state submerged lands in Waikiki, Honolulu. The easement is intended for the construction, use, repair, and maintenance of concrete stairs that provide access to the beach and ocean.

Key Provisions

Easement Duration: The easement will be granted for a term of twenty-five years.

Non-Exclusive Use: The easement allows for non-exclusive access, meaning that other parties may also utilize the submerged lands.

Improvements Covered: The easement specifically covers concrete stairs and any associated improvements that may be constructed on the submerged lands.

Maintenance Responsibilities: The bill outlines that the entity granted the easement will be responsible for the repair and maintenance of the concrete stairs.

Affected Parties

Local Government: The City and County of Honolulu will oversee the implementation and management of the easement.

Public Access: Residents and visitors to Waikiki will benefit from improved access to the beach and ocean through the concrete stairs.

Environmental Considerations: The bill may have implications for local marine ecosystems, as it involves the use of state submerged lands.

Procedural Aspects

Legislative Journey: SCR 5 was introduced on February 26, 2025, and has passed through various legislative committees before receiving final approval.

Adoption Timeline: The resolution was adopted on April 24, 2025, after being transmitted between the Senate and House for concurrence on amendments.

Governor's Approval: The bill was approved by the Governor on April 22, 2025.

Conclusion

SCR 5 represents a legislative effort to enhance public access to the beach in Waikiki through the authorization of a long-term easement for concrete stairs. The bill balances the need for infrastructure development with the management of state submerged lands, ensuring that both public access and environmental considerations are addressed.

Bill