REPORT TITLE:
Coral


DESCRIPTION:
Requires all agencies to take action to protect coral reef
systems.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                        
THE SENATE                              S.B. NO.           483
TWENTIETH LEGISLATURE, 1999                                
STATE OF HAWAII                                            
                                                             
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                   A  BILL  FOR  AN  ACT

RELATING TO REEFS.



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

 1      SECTION 1.  The Hawaii Revised Statutes is amended by adding
 
 2 a new chapter to be appropriately designated and to read as
 
 3 follows:
 
 4                           "CHAPTER    
 
 5                       CORAL REEF PROTECTION
 
 6      § -1 Definitions.  As used in this part, unless the
 
 7 context otherwise requires:
 
 8      "Coral reef ecosystems" means those species, habitats, and
 
 9 other natural resources associated with coral reefs in all
 
10 maritime areas and zones subject to the jurisdiction or control
 
11 of the State.
 
12      § -2  Agencies bound.(a)  All agencies whose actions may
 
13 affect United States coral reef ecosystems shall:
 
14      (1)  Identify their actions that may affect coral reef
 
15           ecosystems;
 
16      (2)  Utilize their programs and authorities to protect and
 
17           enhance the conditions of those ecosystems; and
 
18      (3)  To the extent permitted by law, ensure that any actions
 

 
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                                     S.B. NO.           483
                                                        
                                                        

 
 1           that they authorize, fund, or carry out will not
 
 2           degrade the conditions of those ecosystems.
 
 3      (b)  Exceptions to this section may be allowed under terms
 
 4 prescribed by the heads of agencies during emergencies posing an
 
 5 unacceptable threat to human health or safety or to the marine
 
 6 environment and admitting of no other feasible solution."
 
 7      SECTION 2.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
 
 8 
 
 9                           INTRODUCED BY:  _______________________