Report Title:

Conservation and Resources; Opihi Restoration Project

 

Description:

Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii for the opihi restoration project, a hatchery-based restocking program to enhance depleted natural populations of opihi.

 


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2162

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT


 

 

making an appropriation for the opihi restoration Program.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that in recent years, the popularity of opihi as a delicacy has resulted in overharvesting, bringing about a dramatic decline in the number of edible opihi found throughout Hawaii.  Opihi continues to be difficult to obtain in its natural habitat on each island.  A diverse group of scientists, private businesses, and community organizations have been collaborating to address the declining opihi populations and the general lack of scientific information on this culturally important group of shellfish.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for an opihi restoration program to:

     (1)  Obtain a current baseline population of Hawaiian opihi for opihi management and restocking purposes; and

     (2)  Establish a hatchery-based opihi stocking program to enhance the depleted natural populations of opihi in Hawaii.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $168,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009 for the Hawaii sea grant college program to implement the opihi restoration program, including salaries, rent, materials and supplies, and other costs of the program.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2008.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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