Report Title:

Aquatic Resources

 

Description:

Requires the department of land and natural resources to assess and report the status of Hawaii's marine ecosystems.  (HB3391 HD1)

 


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

3391

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT


 

 

RELATING TO AQUATIC RESOURCES.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the aquatic resources of Hawaii are in danger.  The replenishment and conservation of these resources are vital to the economic, cultural, environmental, health, and social well-being of the state's residents, visitors, and future generations.  In addition, the state's marine ecosystems are vital to global biodiversity.  The legislature further finds that negative effects on the size, number, distribution, diversity, and quality of important marine species and habitats may be reversed by assessing and mitigating activities that affect the marine ecosystem. 

     The purpose of this Act is to require the department of land and natural resources to provide a comprehensive report on the status of the state's marine ecosystems.

     SECTION 2.  The department of land and natural resources shall compile a report that contains information and data on the following:

     (1)  The current character of the state's aquatic ecosystem;

     (2)  Effects on the aquatic ecosystems and fishery resources of the state from:

         (A)  Development, including shore-based activities and non-fishing activities;

         (B)  Alien species;

         (C)  Runoff and sedimentation;

         (D)  Harvesting of marine organisms;

         (E)  Pollution;

         (F)  Fresh water inputs; and

         (G)  Other relevant sources and activities;

     (3)  Proposed actions to mitigate effects on aquatic ecosystems, including anticipated results, a scheduled evaluation process, and strategies to assess effectiveness; and

     (4)  Relevant material from resources, including the national "State of the Coral Reef Ecosystems for the United States and Pacific Freely Associated States," the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Coral Program, Hawaii grants and relevant funded projects (Hawaii Local Action Strategies – Plans and Projects), the Hawaii Conservation Alliance proceedings, the health condition of Hawaii's resources annual report, and the Hawaii Ocean Resources Management Plan priority areas progress reports.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009 for a comprehensive report on the status of the state's aquatic resources; provided that the appropriation may be used to contract for relevant expertise to perform the study.

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

     SECTION 4.  The department of land and natural resources shall submit an interim report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2009, and shall submit a final report on its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2012.  The final report shall include:

     (1)  An analysis of the effects and benefits of the recommendations;

     (2)  A record of stakeholders' assistance and input; and

     (3)  The supporting rationale and data for the proposed recommendations.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval; provided that section 3 shall take effect on July 1, 2008.