Legislature(2021 - 2022)BUTROVICH 205
05/12/2021 03:30 PM Senate RESOURCES
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB10 | |
| HB41 | |
| HB80 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 41 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 10 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 80 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE RESOURCES STANDING COMMITTEE
May 12, 2021
3:45 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Joshua Revak, Chair
Senator Peter Micciche, Vice Chair
Senator Gary Stevens
Senator Jesse Kiehl
Senator Scott Kawasaki
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Click Bishop
Senator Natasha von Imhof
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE BILL NO. 10
"An Act relating to the Funter Bay marine park unit of the state
park system; relating to protection of the social and historical
significance of the Unangax cemetery located in Funter Bay;
providing for the amendment of the management plan for the
Funter Bay marine park unit; and providing for an effective
date."
- MOVED HB 10 OUT OF COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 41(FIN)
"An Act relating to management of enhanced stocks of shellfish;
authorizing certain nonprofit organizations to engage in
shellfish enhancement projects; relating to application fees for
salmon hatchery permits and shellfish enhancement project
permits; relating to the marketing of aquatic farm products by
the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute; and providing for an
effective date."
- MOVED CSHB 41(FIN) OUT OF COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 80(FSH)
"An Act establishing the sport fishing enhancement account;
establishing the sport fishing enhancement surcharge; and
providing for an effective date."
- MOVED CSHB 80(FSH) OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 10
SHORT TITLE: FUNTER BAY MARINE PARK: UNANGAN CEMETERY
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) HANNAN
02/18/21 (H) PREFILE RELEASED 1/8/21
02/18/21 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/18/21 (H) RES, FIN
02/24/21 (H) TRB REPLACES FIN REFERRAL
02/24/21 (H) BILL REPRINTED
03/01/21 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
03/01/21 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
03/03/21 (H) RES REFERRAL MOVED TO AFTER TRB
03/03/21 (H) BILL REPRINTED
03/09/21 (H) TRB AT 8:00 AM DAVIS 106
03/09/21 (H) Heard & Held
03/09/21 (H) MINUTE(TRB)
03/11/21 (H) TRB AT 8:00 AM DAVIS 106
03/11/21 (H) Moved HB 10 Out of Committee
03/11/21 (H) MINUTE(TRB)
03/12/21 (H) TRB RPT 4DP
03/12/21 (H) DP: FIELDS, ORTIZ, CRONK, ZULKOSKY
03/26/21 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
03/26/21 (H) Heard & Held
03/26/21 (H) MINUTE(RES)
03/31/21 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
03/31/21 (H) Moved HB 10 Out of Committee
03/31/21 (H) MINUTE(RES)
04/05/21 (H) RES RPT 7DP 2NR
04/05/21 (H) DP: MCKAY, FIELDS, CRONK, HOPKINS,
HANNAN, SCHRAGE, PATKOTAK
04/05/21 (H) NR: RAUSCHER, GILLHAM
04/09/21 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
04/09/21 (H) VERSION: HB 10
04/12/21 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/12/21 (S) CRA, RES
04/23/21 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/23/21 (S) <Pending Referral>
04/27/21 (S) CRA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/27/21 (S) Heard & Held
04/27/21 (S) MINUTE(CRA)
05/06/21 (S) CRA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
05/06/21 (S) Moved HB 10 Out of Committee
05/06/21 (S) MINUTE(CRA)
05/07/21 (S) CRA RPT 2DP 2NR
05/07/21 (S) DP: HUGHES, GRAY-JACKSON
05/07/21 (S) NR: MYERS, WILSON
05/12/21 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: HB 41
SHORT TITLE: SHELLFISH PROJECTS; HATCHERIES; FEES
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) ORTIZ
02/18/21 (H) PREFILE RELEASED 1/8/21
02/18/21 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/18/21 (H) FSH, FIN
03/25/21 (H) FSH AT 10:30 AM GRUENBERG 120
03/25/21 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
03/30/21 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
03/30/21 (H) Moved HB 41 Out of Committee
03/30/21 (H) MINUTE(FSH)
03/31/21 (H) FSH RPT 3DP 2NR
03/31/21 (H) DP: STORY, ORTIZ, TARR
03/31/21 (H) NR: MCCABE, KREISS-TOMKINS
04/21/21 (H) FIN AT 1:30 PM ADAMS 519
04/21/21 (H) Heard & Held
04/21/21 (H) MINUTE(FIN)
04/26/21 (H) FIN AT 1:30 PM ADAMS 519
04/26/21 (H) Moved CSHB 41(FIN) Out of Committee
04/26/21 (H) MINUTE(FIN)
04/28/21 (H) FIN RPT CS(FIN) NT 9DP 2NR
04/28/21 (H) DP: ORTIZ, EDGMON, LEBON, CARPENTER,
JOSEPHSON, WOOL, THOMPSON, MERRICK,
04/28/21 (H) FOSTER
04/28/21 (H) NR: JOHNSON, RASMUSSEN
04/30/21 (H) MOTION TO DIVIDE QUESTION FAILED Y13
N26 E1
04/30/21 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
04/30/21 (H) VERSION: CSHB 41(FIN)
05/03/21 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
05/03/21 (S) RES
05/12/21 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: HB 80
SHORT TITLE: SPT FSH HATCHERY FACIL ACCT; SURCHARGE
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
02/18/21 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/18/21 (H) FSH, FIN
02/23/21 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
02/23/21 (H) Heard & Held
02/23/21 (H) MINUTE(FSH)
02/25/21 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
02/25/21 (H) -- Public Testimony --
03/02/21 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
03/02/21 (H) Heard & Held
03/02/21 (H) MINUTE(FSH)
03/04/21 (H) FSH AT 11:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
03/04/21 (H) Heard & Held
03/04/21 (H) MINUTE(FSH)
03/09/21 (H) FSH AT 11:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
03/09/21 (H) Moved CSHB 80(FSH) Out of Committee
03/09/21 (H) MINUTE(FSH)
03/10/21 (H) FSH RPT CS(FSH) NT 5DP 1NR 1AM
03/10/21 (H) DP: VANCE, STUTES, KREISS-TOMKINS,
STORY, TARR
03/10/21 (H) NR: MCCABE
03/10/21 (H) AM: ORTIZ
04/08/21 (H) FIN AT 9:00 AM ADAMS 519
04/08/21 (H) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
04/13/21 (H) FIN AT 9:00 AM ADAMS 519
04/13/21 (H) Heard & Held
04/13/21 (H) MINUTE(FIN)
04/13/21 (H) FIN AT 1:30 PM ADAMS 519
04/13/21 (H) Heard & Held
04/13/21 (H) MINUTE(FIN)
04/20/21 (H) FIN AT 9:00 AM ADAMS 519
04/20/21 (H) Heard & Held
04/20/21 (H) MINUTE(FIN)
04/22/21 (H) FIN AT 1:30 PM ADAMS 519
04/22/21 (H) Moved CSHB 80(FSH) Out of Committee
04/22/21 (H) MINUTE(FIN)
04/26/21 (H) FIN RPT CS(FSH) NT 4DP 6NR
04/26/21 (H) DP: LEBON, THOMPSON, JOHNSON, WOOL
04/26/21 (H) NR: ORTIZ, CARPENTER, JOSEPHSON,
RASMUSSEN, MERRICK, FOSTER
04/26/21 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/26/21 (S) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
05/07/21 (H) FSH CS ADOPTED Y32 N4 E2 A2
05/07/21 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
05/07/21 (H) VERSION: CSHB 80(FSH)
05/10/21 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
05/10/21 (S) RES
05/11/21 (S) FIN REFERRAL ADDED AFTER RES
05/12/21 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
WITNESS REGISTER
REPRESENTATIVE SARA HANNAN
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HB 10.
TIMOTHY CLARK, Staff
Representative Sara Hannan
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions regarding HB 10.
RICKY GEASE, Director
Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Department of Natural Resources
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions regarding HB 10.
JOEL BENNET, Board Member
Friends of Admiralty Island
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 10.
MARTIN STEPETIN, Advocate
Friends of Admiralty Island
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 10.
ED KING, representing self
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 10.
REPRESENTATIVE DAN ORTIZ
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HB 41.
LIZ HARPOLD, Staff
Representative Dan Ortiz
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented an overview of HB 41.
RACHEL HANKE, Legislative Liaison
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided introductory remarks on HB 80 on
behalf of the administration.
DOUGLAS VINCENT-LANG
Commissioner
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions and provided information
about HB 80.
DIRK CRAFT, Staff
Senator Josh Revak
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided an explanation of Amendment 1 for
HB 80.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:45:04 PM
CHAIR JOSHUA REVAK called the Senate Resources Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:45 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Kiehl, Kawasaki, Micciche, Stevens, and
Chair Revak.
HB 10-FUNTER BAY MARINE PARK: UNANGAN CEMETERY
3:45:57 PM
CHAIR REVAK announced the consideration of HOUSE BILL NO. 10 "An
Act relating to the Funter Bay marine park unit of the state
park system; relating to protection of the social and historical
significance of the Unangax cemetery located in Funter Bay;
providing for the amendment of the management plan for the
Funter Bay marine park unit; and providing for an effective
date."
CHAIR REVAK noted that most of the committee heard the bill last
year.
3:46:18 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SARA HANNAN, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau,
Alaska, sponsor of HB 10, stated that the bill had not changed
since the committee heard this bill during the previous
legislature. She said she would go through a PowerPoint quickly
to refresh members' recall of the bill that seeks to protect the
Unangan Cemetery in Funter Bay for future generations. She
explained that two hundred fifty one acres of state land would
be transferred, at no cost, from the Department of Natural
Resources, Division of Mining, Land and Water to the Division of
Parks and Recreation's existing Funter Bay State Marine Park.
The cemetery, which is on a portion of this land, holds the
remains of people who did not survive after they were relocated
and interred in two relocation camps in Funter Bay during World
War II. One of the camps was in an old mine and the other across
the bay in an old canary. The cemetery is adjacent to the old
canary. Funter Bay is located about 15 air miles from Juneau or
30 miles by water, which made for very isolated camps during WW
II. The Funter Bay relocation camps were two of six such camps
throughout Southeast Alaska and they were the deadliest.
3:49:09 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN directed attention to slide 4 and
explained it is a map from DNR's management plan for the land in
Funter Bay. The land shaded green reflects Tongass National
Forest land, the 162 acres of existing Funter Bay State Marine
Park is identified as A01, and the area identified as A02 is the
acreage that would be added by HB 10. The map scale does not
show the private land along much of the Funter Bay shoreline and
the bill does not affect this private land. She highlighted that
the Division of Mining, Land and Water advised it would be
easiest to add all the A02 lands into the existing marine park
to be managed by the Division of Parks and Recreation, otherwise
it would leave DMLW with a fragment of land to manage that is
surrounded by state marine park, private property, or national
forest.
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN displayed images of the remnants of an old
bunkhouse on canary property that was used for housing, and the
headstone of an 18 month old child who died at one of the Funter
Bay camps. She noted the cemetery has received little
maintenance since it was in active use starting 79 years ago.
Replacement crosses were first erected in 2017 when descendants
made a commemorative trip to Funter Bay. The exact number of
graves in the cemetery is not clear, but a Park Service survey
that looked at the historical significance of the site to
determine whether it should receive federal protection
identified 32 graves. She noted that some graves are unmarked
and some were moved to other cemeteries by the families.
3:51:48 PM
SENATOR STEVENS asked where the people who were relocated to
Funter Bay came from.
3:52:04 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN answered they came from the Pribilof
Islands of St. Paul and St. George. They were the first of the
removals that began in June 1942.
SENATOR MICCICHE mentioned the unsuccessful effort to get the
bill through the process last year [before early adjournment due
to COVID-19]. He said the committee investigated the
mineralization potential of the land proposed for transfer and
the Alaska Miners Association since then sent a letter stating:
There is no documented mineral occurrences on the land
in question and access to existing mineral
occurrences, patented claims and federal lands open to
mineral entry are not unduly impacted.
He said the committee last year also evaluated the private
landownership and he was aware this year that some urban legends
had cropped up on this particular site. He asked, as a member of
the public, if he would be able to enjoy access to the land
designated A02 the same way as he can now without HB 10.
3:53:57 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN answered yes. The Funter Bay State Marine
Park is rural and has no state-supported infrastructure. All
hunting, harvesting, [and public access] activities are allowed.
3:54:29 PM
TIMOTHY CLARK, Staff, Representative Sara Hannan, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, added that the parcel that is
proposed to be transferred has been managed for recreation for a
number of years. "All the hunting, hiking, and fishing that has
existed for decades in the bay, all the access will remain
absolutely the same."
SENATOR MICCICHE asked for confirmation that the bill does not
in any way change the use of this land.
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN answered that is correct. The bill does
not change the use of this land but it does provide park
protection so it cannot be sold for development.
3:55:56 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE thanked her for clarifying that for the record.
CHAIR REVAK agreed the clarification was important.
3:56:07 PM
SENATOR KIEHL stated support for the bill, but asked for
assurance that the bill does not cut off access to any private
property in the vicinity of the cemetery.
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN answered it does not, but the caveat is
that this land is in the Unorganized Borough, and it is
difficult to find plats. She offered her understanding that most
of the private property is beachfront.
MR. CLARK suggested the committee might benefit from hearing
from the director of state parks and/or the superintendent of
state parks for Southeast.
CHAIR REVAK announced invited testimony.
3:57:59 PM
RICKY GEASE, Director, Parks and Outdoor Recreation, Department
of Natural Resources, Anchorage, Alaska, stated that HB 10 does
not cut off access to any private property in in the vicinity of
the cemetery.
SENATOR MICCICHE asked him to reaffirm the answer to his
question about whether the bill in any way restricts public
access to the cemetery or other state marine park land or if it
affects private landowners in the area either positively or
negatively.
MR GEASE answered no, but the division would have enforcement
powers if there was any vandalism on the state park land.
3:59:36 PM
CHAIR REVAK opened public testimony on HB 10.
3:59:57 PM
JOEL BENNET, Board Member, Friends of Admiralty Island, Juneau,
Alaska, stated he resides in Juneau and owns property in Funter
Bay that abuts the cemetery. He said he has no objection to HB
10, and he knows of no other landowners in the immediate
vicinity that object to it either. He said deer hunting is a
major recreational and subsistence activity on Admiralty Island
and he is sure none of the landowners adjacent to the cemetery
would support the bill if they thought it would restrict their
deer hunting activities. He said he was familiar with the land
that would be transferred to the marine park and most of it is
low-lying vegetation with scrub spruce and hemlock that has no
commercial timber value or potential for mineral development. He
concluded that this legislation has been a priority for Friends
of Admiralty Island for several years. As a group they have
promoted understanding of the injustices of the internment of
the Pribilof Islanders in the relocation camps at Funter Bay.
4:03:09 PM
MARTIN STEPETIN, Advocate, Friends of Admiralty Island, Juneau,
Alaska, stated he resides in Juneau but is from St. Paul Island.
His maternal and paternal grandparents were relocated and
interned in Funter Bay 79 years ago. His dad was born during
that time. The relocation was said to be for protection of the
Pribilof Islanders but reckless disregard and lack of planning
by the military resulted in the deaths of 10 percent of the
people who were relocated to Funter Bay. The headstones show the
relocation was deadliest for the elderly and very young. He
opined that failing to recognize this history increases the risk
that similar atrocities could occur in the future. Protecting
the cemetery at Funter Bay is a step in the right direction. It
is squarely in the state's hands.
4:05:55 PM
ED KING, representing self, Juneau, Alaska, stated that he was
working in the DNR commissioner's office when Mr. Stepetin
brought the issue forward, so he is aware of the work that has
gone into the bill. It recognizes an issue of historical
significance that he wholeheartedly supports. He urged the
committee to support HB 10 as well.
4:06:31 PM
CHAIR REVAK discerned no one else wished to comment and closed
public testimony on HB 10.
4:6:46 PM
SENATOR STEVENS stated that the events that have been described
occurred during World War II. The notion was to remove people
from a war zone in the Pribilofs even though the war never went
there. He agreed the federal government and military handled the
evacuation and relocation recklessly. He also agreed with Mr.
Stepetin that it is crucial to remember this history so it is
not repeated.
4:07:37 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE commented on the importance of protecting
sacred places, one of which is the Unangan Cemetery at Funter
Bay. He said he is pleased that the cemetery enjoys volunteer
caretakers but he looks forward to it being protected
officially.
4:08:24 PM
CHAIR REVAK recalled supporting the legislation three years ago
as a member of the other body, as a member of this committee
last year, and again this year. He shared that he was honored to
visit Unalaska during the 75th anniversary of the bombing of
Dutch Harbor. Attending the ceremony were evacuees who were
young at the time, World War II veterans, and a Japanese film
crew. It was the most amazing healing event he had ever
encountered. What he learned in Dutch Harbor makes him realize
how important it is to recognize and protect the cemetery at
Funter Bay as a way and perhaps a place of healing.
He asked the will of the committee.
4:09:30 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE moved to report HB 10, work order 32-LS0096\A,
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s).
4:09:43 PM
CHAIR REVAK found no objection and HB 10 was reported from the
Senate Resources Standing Committee.
4:09:57 PM
At ease
HB 41-SHELLFISH PROJECTS; HATCHERIES; FEES
4:11:04 PM
CHAIR REVAK reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 41(FIN) "An Act relating
to management of enhanced stocks of shellfish; authorizing
certain nonprofit organizations to engage in shellfish
enhancement projects; relating to application fees for salmon
hatchery permits and shellfish enhancement project permits;
relating to the marketing of aquatic farm products by the Alaska
Seafood Marketing Institute; and providing for an effective
date."
He noted the committee heard, took public testimony on and moved
the companion bill, SB 64, from committee. He invited the
sponsor and staff to walk through the differences between the
two bills.
4:12:00 PM
REPRESENTATIVE DAN ORTIZ, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau,
Alaska, sponsor of HB 41, confirmed the committee heard and
passed the companion bill that Senator Stevens introduced, and
he hopes that will help in the speedy passage of HB 41. It
provides the regulatory framework for the Alaska Department of
Fish and Game (ADF&G) to permit and regulate shellfish
enhancement projects for the benefit of the public. The bill
allows the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) to market
aquatic farm products such as kelp and oysters.
He advised that the difference between HB 41 and the companion,
SB 64, is the House bill will sunset the ASMI provisions on July
25, 2025. He said this well-vetted bill has wide support as
evidenced by the supporting documents in the bill packets.
4:13:15 PM
SENATOR STEVENS stated support for the "brilliant" bill and
noted his bill, SB 64, was sitting in the Rules Committee
awaiting the arrival of HB 41, which will be the vehicle moving
forward. He voiced support for the amendment to HB 41 that
places a sunset on the ASMI provisions.
4:13:56 PM
CHAIR REVAK asked Ms. Harpold if she had any information to
impart.
4:14:14 PM
LIZ HARPOLD, Staff, Representative Dan Ortiz, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, reviewed the differences between HB
41 and SB 64. As previously mentioned, HB 41 sunsets all ASMI
related language on July 1, 2025. Doing this added three
sections to the bill. Sections 8 and 10 are new and Section 21
is the effective date for the two new sections. The intent was
to limit the time that ASMI can market aquatic farm products and
incentivizes the Department of Revenue and ASMI to establish a
feasible way for the industry to buy into marketing like Alaska
commercial fisheries currently do. In the intervening time,
grants and other non-state funds are available to cover
marketing costs.
4:15:14 PM,
CHAIR REVAK found no questions or comments and asked the will of
the committee.
4:15:28 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE moved to report the CS for HB 41, work order
32-LS0291\I, from committee with individual recommendations and
attached fiscal note(s).
4:15:49 PM
CHAIR REVAK found no objection and CSHB 41(FIN) moved from the
Senate Resources Standing Committee.
4:16:02 PM
At ease
HB 80-SPT FSH HATCHERY FACIL ACCT; SURCHARGE
4:18:03 PM
CHAIR REVAK reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 80(FSH) "An Act
establishing the sport fishing enhancement account; establishing
the sport fishing enhancement surcharge; and providing for an
effective date."
He advised that the committee heard the companion bill, SB 60,
on April 12 and public testimony was taken. He noted that HB 80
has a finance referral after it leaves this committee. He asked
Commissioner Vincent-Lang and Ms. Hanke to discuss the
differences between the two bills.
4:19:13 PM
RACHEL HANKE, Legislative Liaison, Alaska Department of Fish and
Game, Juneau, Alaska, read the following changes from version A
to version B for HB 80:
Page 1, lines 1-14 In the previous version of the
bill, the surcharge was allocated to "ongoing
maintenance and operation of the department's sport
fish hatchery facilities and sport fishing stock
enhancement intended to directly benefit license
purchasers." In version B, the allocation of the
surcharge was split into two subsections (h)(1) and
(h)(2).
• (h)(1) allocates $2.50 of each surcharge towards
fisheries management, fisheries research,
invasive species suppression and eradication and
habitat restoration.
• (h)(2) allocates the remainder of the surcharge
to sport fishing stock enhancement and ongoing
maintenance of the department's sport fishing
hatchery facilities.
Page 2, line 24 through Page 3, line 1 all surcharge
prices were increased by $2.50.
4:20:19 PM
DOUGLAS VINCENT-LANG, Commissioner, Alaska Department of Fish
and Game, Juneau, stated the $4 surcharge that was originally
proposed was primarily meant to support hatchery operations in
Southeast that went away with the sunset. HB 80 was amended to
add $2.50 to the surcharge, specifically for fisheries research,
fisheries management, and invasive species. The department is
also required to report periodically on how the money is spent.
He highlighted that most of the fees would be paid by
nonresidents.
4:21:27 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE noted the surcharge was a 60 percent increase.
He asked what the vision was above the governor's that was
largely status quo.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG answered he believes the committee
felt there were people that would be paying the surcharge that
would not directly benefit from hatchery programs. They saw this
as an opportunity for the surcharge to go toward other non-
hatchery-related activities, specifically fisheries management,
fisheries research, and invasive species such as pike in lakes
the department is stocking.
SENATOR MICCICHE asked if the administration supports the 60
percent increase of the $4 surcharge.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG answered had not discussed the $2.50
increase with the governor, but "from the discussions that I
have had, I think we would consider that, yes."
4:23:16 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE commented, "So you don't know if the
administration supports the increase above the $4 increase."
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG repeated he had not had that
conversation with the governor. He added that his recommendation
would be to support the additional increase.
4:23:38 PM
SENATOR STEVENS observed that invasive species was not mentioned
in the original bill. He asked if there was other funding for
invasive species.
4:23:50 PM
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG replied the department is able to do
invasive species work through the state wildlife action grants.
There is no dedicated funding to match those grants, and this
would provide a funding source.
SENATOR STEVENS asked if invasive species includes plants and
fish. He asked him to identify the specific concerns.
4:24:15 PM
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG answered the bill is written to add a
surcharge on sport fishing licenses so the funds could only be
used to benefit sport fisheries. Invasive species that do not
affect sport fishing would not qualify.
4:24:40 PM
SENATOR KIEHL asked where most of the nonresident licenses are
sold and if the cash from those sales will be used in that
region or for a particular purpose.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG answered the $4 hatchery piece of the
surcharge would be used to fund operations for the Fairbanks and
Anchorage state hatcheries and $500,000 would also flow to fund
operations in Southeast. The remaining $2.50 surcharge would be
spent on the highest needs statewide.
SENATOR MICCICHE recalled that the original surcharge was $9 and
HB 80 initially called for a $4 surcharge but that was increased
by $2.50 during the committee process. He asked if his
recollection was accurate.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG recounted that the original $9 sport
fishing license sunsetted. HB 80 was introduced and initially
proposed a $4 increase and a committee added $2.50 so the
increase is $6.50, which results in $3.50 savings.
4:26:55 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE calculated that the expected revenue change
statewide would be $1.5 million.
MS. HANKE confirmed that was the difference between the original
version of the bill and this version.
4:27:22 PM
SENATOR KAWASAKI asked how the department will report to the
legislature how much was spent on fisheries management,
fisheries research, and invasive species/habitat restoration,
and in what areas the funds were spent.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG explained the department will report
to the legislature what was spent to fund the two hatcheries in
Southeast as well as any capital outlays. The department will
also report annually to the legislature the location and how
much was spent for fisheries management, fisheries research, and
invasive species/habitat restoration.
SENATOR MICCICHE asked if the bill had a wider reach than just
for Southeast hatcheries.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG recounted that when the original bill
with the surcharge passed, $500,000 was subcontracted to the
Crystal Lake and DIPAC hatcheries in Southeast Alaska because
there were no state-owned hatcheries in the region, and it was
not feasible to ship hatchery fish to Southeast from either of
the state hatcheries in Anchorage and Fairbanks. When the
surcharge sunset, the ability to subcontract also disappeared.
When the decision was made to reinstitute the surcharge, it
again included $500,000 to support stock fisheries in Southeast
that are important to sport fisheries.
4:29:34 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE asked how the original $4 million would benefit
sport fishing statewide.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG answered it will go to fund the
operations of the Fairbanks and Anchorage hatcheries. He noted
there are ongoing maintenance issues associated with both the
hatcheries. Specifically, the complex water treatment facility
at the Fairbanks hatchery will be replaced as necessary, and the
Anchorage hatchery needs a new well. He said the hope is that
funds from the surcharge will prevent the department from having
to request more money in the capital budget for long-term
maintenance associated with those two hatcheries.
SENATOR MICCICHE asked him to confirm that the Fairbanks and
Anchorage hatcheries are hatching and rearing fish that are
distributed throughout the Interior and Southcentral Alaska.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG clarified that the Anchorage and
Fairbanks hatcheries produce fish for sport fishing, primarily
for lake stocking throughout Interior and Southcentral Alaska.
The $500,000 that goes to the subcontracted hatcheries is used
for the same purpose in Southeast Alaska.
CHAIR REVAK found no further questions or comments and announced
the committee would consider amendments.
4:31:37 PM
CHAIR REVAK moved Amendment 1.
32-GH1609\B.10
Bullard
5/12/21
AMENDMENT 1
OFFERED IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR REVAK
TO: CSHB 80(FSH)
Page 1, line 7, following "fund.":
Insert "The department shall submit an annual
report describing capital improvements and other
projects funded by money in the account to the senate
secretary and chief clerk of the house of
representatives on or before the first day of each
regular session of the legislature and shall notify
the legislature that the report is available."
Page 1, lines 10 - 11:
Delete all material and insert:
"(1) $5.00 of each surcharge collected to
the construction and maintenance of capital
improvements that directly support sport fishing access
or sport fishing but may not be allocated under
paragraph (2) of this subsection; and"
Page 2, line 24:
Delete "$6.50"
Insert "$9.00"
Page 2, line 25:
Delete "6.50"
Insert "9.00"
Page 2, line 26:
Delete "6.50"
Insert "9.00"
Page 2, line 27:
Delete "27.50"
Insert "30.00"
Page 2, line 28:
Delete "22.50"
Insert "25.00"
Page 2, line 29:
Delete "12.50"
Insert "15.00"
Page 2, line 30:
Delete "7.50"
Insert "10.00"
Page 2, line 31:
Delete "42.50"
Insert "45.00"
Page 3, line 1:
Delete "6.50"
Insert "9.00"
Page 3, following line 1:
Insert a new bill section to read:
"* Sec. 4. AS 37.05.146(c) is amended by adding a
new paragraph to read:
(80) money in the sport fishing enhancement
account within the fish and game fund
(AS 16.05.130(h))."
Renumber the following bill section accordingly.
SENATOR STEVENS objected for discussion purposes.
4:32:02 PM
At ease
4:32:13 PM
CHAIR REVAK reconvened the meeting and asked Mr. Craft to
explain Amendment 1.
4:32:34 PM
DIRK CRAFT, Staff, Senator Josh Revak, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, stated Amendment 1 adds a requirement for the
department to report annually to the legislature the capital
improvements and other projects that were funded by money in
this account. The second change replaces the language in
paragraph (1) on page 1, lines 10-11. He read the new language
that states, "$5 of each surcharge collected to the construction
and maintenance of capital improvements that directly support
sport fishing access or sport fishing but may not be allocated
under paragraph (2) of this subsection; and". He said the third
and final change adds a new Section 4 that amends
AS 37.05.146(c). The new paragraph reads, "(80) money in the
sport fishing enhancement account within the fish and game fund
(AS 16.05.130(h))."
4:33:35 PM
SENATOR KIEHL asked if the amendment effectively eliminates
funding that might go to eradicate pike, Elodea or Milfoil.
MR. CRAFT replied the amendment seeks to narrow the language to
benefit only sport fishing and the users who pay the surcharge.
4:34:13 PM
SENATOR KIEHL said he received the report and he understands
that the amendment deletes money for fisheries management and
fisheries research, but the question was whether it deletes
money for invasive species.
MR. CRAFT replied the amendment removes the invasive species and
habitat restoration language and he was not sure whether or not
the funds could still be used for that purpose.
4:35:09 PM
SENATOR KAWASAKI offered his perspective that the amendment
could be interpreted to allow the money to be spent more
broadly.
MR. CLARK added that part of the concern was that without the
amendment, the funds could be used for things unrelated to sport
fishing.
4:36:03 PM
SENATOR STEVENS recalled that a bill he carried in 2000 raised
the price of licenses for nonresidents and it was considered
unconstitutional. He questioned whether HB 80 would face the
same challenge.
MR. CRAFT deferred the question to the department.
4:36:56 PM
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG said his interpretation of the
amendment is that it would reinstate the surcharge that was
assessed to pay off the hatchery bonds initially. He was not
aware of any constitutional challenge to that surcharge.
4:37:41 PM
At ease
4:41:19 PM
CHAIR REVAK reconvened the meeting and asked if there were
additional questions about Amendment 1.
4:41:30 PM
SENATOR KIEHL said he believes there is value in capital
improvements for sport fishing access, but he was concerned with
the changes the amendment would make. He explained, "We can put
a great fishing dock on a lake, but if it's full of pike there's
not much to catch in that lake; and if it's full of invasive
weeds, there is nothing to catch in that lake."
CHAIR REVAK offered his perspective that the amendment was
focused narrowly to apply only to this surcharge.
4:42:26 PM
At ease
4:42:47 PM
CHAIR REVAK reconvened the meeting and announced he would
withdraw Amendment 1 and take it up with members of the next
committee of referral.
He solicited a motion.
4:43:25 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE moved to report the CS for HB 80, work order
32-GH1609\B, from committee with individual recommendations and
attached fiscal note(s).
4:43:44 PM
CHAIR REVAK found no objection and CSHB 80(FSH) was reported
from the Senate Resources Standing Committee.
4:44:18 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Revak adjourned the Senate Resources Standing Committee
meeting at 4:44 p.m.