WHEREAS, past surveys conducted at beach sites across the State have found an abundance of alien algal introduced to Hawaii since 1950; and

WHEREAS, five alien algal species were found to be ecologically dominant in Hawaiian reef habitats that have overwhelmed native algal species; and

WHEREAS, alien algal species destroy native algal species and also affect coral reef formations and native fish and other marine life that depend on native algal for sustenance; and

WHEREAS, this disruption in the marine food chain has and will continue to have economic repercussions on recreational fishermen who consume native varieties of algae and catch reef fish that feed on local algal species, the local fishing industry that depends on fish that feed on reef fish and native algal species, and the tourism industry, which witnessed the proliferation, stench, and unsightly vestiges of the Maui algae bloom that strewn Maui beaches; and

WHEREAS, the Ewa Beach area of Oahu and adjacent coastal regions have also had their share of alien algal on local shorelines; and

WHEREAS, scientists have speculated that the alien algal growth is attributable to the large tankers that dock offshore and displace their ballast tanks that may contain alien algal from foreign countries; and

WHEREAS, an evaluation or study is needed to determine the exact cause of the alien algal growth to mitigate or prevent further propagation in the area; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2005, that the Botany Department of the University of Hawaii, and the Division of Aquatic Resources of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, are requested to conduct a study on the alien algal distribution along the Ewa Beach coastal area; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this body requests that the study include recommendations to:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Botany Department of the University of Hawaii, and the Division of Aquatic Resources of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, are requested to report any findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation to the Legislature, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2006; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to Chair of the Botany Department of the University of Hawaii, the Administrator of the Aquatic Resources Division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the Chair of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, who in turn is requested to transmit copies to any other interested party identified by the Administrator of the Aquatic Resources Division or the Chair of the Botany Department of the University of Hawaii.

Report Title:

Study Alien Algal Distribution