Report Title:

Hawaii Ocean and Coastal Council.

 

Description:

Provides statutory authority to continue the Hawaii Ocean and Coastal Council.

 


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1388

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT


 

 

RELATING TO THE HAWAII OCEAN AND COASTAL COUNCIL.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that almost any activity in Hawaii could be described as having an impact on ocean and coastal resources.  Hawaii's historical, cultural, environmental, social, recreational, and economic foundations are centered on our State's near-shore waters and coastline.  There is a need to establish a permanent mechanism to coordinate the concerns and interests of the multitude of public and private organizations to maximize collaboration and cooperation among groups and to eliminate duplication of efforts.  

     In 2005, the governor, pursuant to section 26-41, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and by Executive Order No. 2005-01, established the Hawaii ocean and coastal council to gather information and provide advice and recommendations on direction and planning for addressing Hawaii's ocean and coastal concerns.  The Hawaii ocean and coastal council has since initiated the development of coordinated policies.

     The purposes of this Act are to:

     (1)  Statutorily establish a permanent Hawaii ocean and coastal council to continue its special purpose to gather information and provide advice and recommendations on direction and planning for addressing Hawaii's ocean and coastal concerns; and

     (2)  Affirm the objective of the State to protect Hawaii's resources.

     This Act does not create any new function of government or require additional funding.

     SECTION 2.  The Hawaii Revised Statutes is amended by adding a new chapter to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"CHAPTER

HAWAII OCEAN AND COASTAL COUNCIL

     §   -1  Definition.  As used in this chapter, unless the context requires otherwise:

     "Council" means the Hawaii ocean and coastal council.

     §   -2  Establishment of the Hawaii ocean and coastal council.  (a)  There is established the Hawaii ocean and coastal council, which shall be placed, for administrative purposes only, within the department of land and natural resources and which shall provide advice and recommendations on how to:

     (1)  Address the social, cultural, environmental, economic, and security issues of the State of Hawaii as they relate to ocean and coastal matters;

     (2)  Identify and understand ocean and coastal concerns from all perspectives;

     (3)  Organize and streamline the process for addressing ocean and coastal issues;

     (4)  Explore, pursue, and develop additional sources of funding to address ocean and coastal measures, as appropriate;

     (5)  Implement the 2006 Hawaii ocean resources management plan; and

     (6)  Perform any other function necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter.

     The council shall consist of thirty members, including nineteen members who shall be appointed without regard to section 26-34 by the governor not later than January 1, 2008.  The council shall be composed of the following members or, when necessary, appropriate substitutions selected by the governor:

     (1)  The chairperson of the board of land and natural resources, ex officio, or designee;

     (2) The director, ex officio or designee, of each of the following departments:

         (A)  Business, economic development, and tourism;

         (B)  Health;

         (C)  Defense; and

         (D)  Transportation;

     (3)  The chairperson of the board of agriculture, ex officio, or designee;

     (4)  The director of the office of planning, ex officio, or designee;

     (5) The tourism liaison of the office of the governor, ex officio, or designee;

     (6) The president of the university of Hawaii, ex officio, or designee;

     (7) The chairperson of the marine and coastal zone advisory council, ex officio, or designee;

     (8)  The chairperson of the university of Hawaii sea grant program, ex officio, or designee;

     (9)  A representative of the university of Hawaii - school of ocean and earth science and technology;

    (10)  A representative of the office of Hawaiian affairs;

    (11)  A representative of the Polynesian Voyaging Society;

    (12) A representative of the association of Hawaiian Civic clubs;

    (13) A representative of the Hawaii Institute for Marine Biology;

    (14) A representative of the county of Hawaii;

    (15)  A representative of the county of Kauai;

    (16)  A representative of the county of Maui;

    (17)  A representative of the city and county of Honolulu;

    (18)  A representative of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Sanctuaries;

    (19)  A representative of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service;

    (20)  A representative of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Pacific Services Center;

    (21)  A representative of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service;

    (22)  A representative of the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service;

    (23)  A representative of the United States Army Corps of Engineers;

    (24)  A representative of the United State Coast Guard;

    (25)  A representative of the United States Navy;

    (26)  A representative of the United States Environmental Protection Agency; and

    (27)  A representative of the Western Pacific Fisheries management council.

     (b) The council shall meet no less than twice annually to discuss and assess progress and recommend changes to the ocean and coastal programs.

     (c) The council shall submit a report of its activities to the governor and legislature annually.

     (d)  The chairperson of the board of land and natural resources shall serve as the chairperson of the council and the department of land and natural resources shall be the lead agency.  The lead agency shall:

     (1) Coordinate all efforts between other departments and federal and private agencies to organize and identify ocean and coastal issues;

     (2) Prepare and distribute an annual progress report forty days prior to the convening of each regular session of the legislature to the governor and the legislature that includes the status of each assigned function; and

     (3) Engage in any other function of a lead agency necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter.

     (e)  All council members shall serve without compensation but shall be entitled to reimbursement for necessary expenses while attending meetings and while in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities as members of the council."

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval and shall be repealed on July 1, 2012.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 

BY REQUEST