Report Title:

Pouhala Marsh; Appropriation

Description:

Provides funding to match initiative funding to develop an education and job training center for Pouhala marsh.

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

1081

TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2005

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

making an appropriation for pouhala marsh education and job training center.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. Pouhala marsh consists of a remnant fishpond and coastal marsh located in the western loch of Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu. Over the years, the wetlands of this area have been severely and significantly degraded through filling, urban development, water pollution, and alien plant invasion. What was once an extensive system of wetlands in this area has declined to a few remaining basins and mud flats. Pouhala marsh, with its seventy acres, is the largest remaining wetland habitat in Pearl Harbor.

The Pouhala Marsh Ecosystem Restoration and Community Development Project seeks to restore habitat for native Hawaiian water birds and migratory shore birds in the marsh and to develop a comprehensive natural resources management education and internship or job training program. Through an integrated community and business effort to meet these goals, the project seeks to halt illegal dumping and clean the area of accumulated garbage. The project will enhance the wildlife habitat, restore view planes and open space, mitigate flooding in the area, improve water quality, and integrate educational and recreational opportunities in the sanctuary management program.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate moneys to match the $800,000 initiative that already has been obtained for the habitat restoration project and clean up within the marsh with funds to develop an education and job training center where people can be taught about the natural, cultural, and historical features of the area.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $200,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2005-2006, to:

(1) Develop an education and job training center on property adjacent to Pouhala marsh, where the education center will serve as the headquarters for the Hawaii Nature Center's wetland education program currently established in the marsh;

(2) Provide safe access for local high school students involved in wetland research projects;

(3) Serve as the staging area for an ongoing volunteer work program run by the Hawaii Nature Center; and

(4) Serve as a base of operations for interns and youth job-corps participants working on research and maintenance projects in the marsh.

SECTION 3. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2005.

INTRODUCED BY:

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