Report Title:
Land Use; Golf Courses
Description:
Establishes a moratorium on golf course development until 2010 to allow the State Office of Planning to study the environmental impact of these projects and form a plan for sustainable golf course development.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2171 |
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TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2006 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO land use.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that there are already eighty-eight golf courses in Hawaii, and two more are being built on the Big Island. New information is needed to evaluate this type of land use in the context of plans for a sustainable future for Hawaii, especially in light of concerns that Hawaii is depleting its fresh water resources. The legislature finds that a plan for Hawaii's sustainable golf course development based on a thorough analysis of the environmental impact of Hawaii's golf courses is necessary before further development is authorized.
SECTION 2. There is established a moratorium on the approval of new golf course development projects until July 1, 2010. Until that date, counties shall suspend consideration of all golf course projects not awarded final approval as of the effective date of this Act.
SECTION 3. (a) The state office of planning shall perform a comprehensive study to:
(1) Determine and evaluate the environmental impact that existing golf courses have on the regions of the state where they are located, including their impact on potable water sources;
(2) Determine the carrying capacity of each region of the state to sustain further golf course development. The state office of planning shall consult with the county planning department of each county to demarcate the boundaries of each region to be analyzed for golf course impacts and carrying capacity; and
(3) Produce a plan of action for environmentally sound and sustainable golf course development in each region of the state.
(b) The state office of planning shall submit its findings and recommendations to the legislature no later than twenty days
prior to the convening of the regular session of 2007.
SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006—2007 for a comprehensive study of the environmental impact of golf courses and to form a plan for golf course development.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the state office of planning for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval; provided that section 4 shall take effect on July 1, 2006.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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