Report Title:

Aquaculture; merge departmental functions.

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, departmental functions related to aquaculture are presently split primarily between the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Land and Natural Resources; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Agriculture administers an aquaculture program under section 141-2.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and is mandated to "Maintain cognizance of actions taken by industry and by federal, state, county, and private agencies in activities relating to aquaculture, and promote and support worthwhile aquaculture activities"; and

WHEREAS, additionally the Department of Agriculture may assess fees for aquaculture services and administer the Aquaculture Development Special Fund under sections 141-2.6 and 141-2.7, Hawaii Revised Statutes, respectively; and

WHEREAS, chapter 187A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is entitled: "Aquatic Resources" and mandates the Department of Land and Natural Resources under section 187A-2(1), Hawaii Revised Statutes, to "Manage and administer the aquatic life and aquatic resources of the State"; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Land and Natural Resources is further charged with limited responsibility over "Hawaiian fishponds" under chapter 183B, Hawaii Revised Statutes, which is defined as "the unique traditional system and methodology of aquaculture practiced by the aboriginal people of Hawaii..."; and

WHEREAS, numerous other functions exercised by both departments refer to aquaculture; and

WHEREAS, this apparent duplication of effort by both departments may be redundant and less than cost effective; and

WHEREAS, this apparent duplication of effort also affects aquaculturalists who depend on the government services provided by both departments; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-first Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2001, the Senate concurring, that the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Land and Natural Resources are requested to report on the feasibility of merging all functions related to aquaculture under a single department; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Agriculture is requested to serve as the lead agency and after consultation with the Department of Land and Natural Resources, report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature twenty days prior to the convening of the 2002 regular session; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture and the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources.