HB1616 SD1

PART I

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that as the state has transitioned away from plantation agriculture, diversified agriculture has become an essential component of our overall agriculture industry. Aquaculture, which reached $28,400,000 in wholesale product value in 2005, represents one of the fastest-growing sectors of diversified agriculture in the state, with a future brimming with potential.

However, the legislature finds that much of the aquaculture industry relies on importation of non-native species for stocking material and broodstock. To protect Hawaii's marine ecosystem, a secure primary quarantine facility to quarantine incoming aquatic species used in aquaculture is needed to allow for inspection and testing by the state aquaculture veterinarian. In addition, this facility would contain a sophisticated laboratory capable of evaluating and diagnosing diseases and testing disease prevention technologies. This facility would also assist in complying with any new federal regulations affecting aquatic animal imports and exports.

The purpose of this part is to position Hawaii as a continuing leader in commercial aquaculture by appropriating funds to develop the concept of, and conduct a feasibility study that includes cost estimates for, the establishment of a primary quarantine and laboratory facility for aquatic species used in the Hawaii aquaculture industry.

SECTION 2. 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 2008-2009 to develop the concept of, and conduct a feasibility study that includes cost estimates for, the establishment of a primary quarantine and laboratory facility for aquatic species used in the Hawaii aquaculture industry.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this part.

PART II

SECTION 3. In recent years, the number of edible ‘opihi found in Hawaii has declined. The popularity of ‘opihi as a delicacy has led to overharvesting and has made ‘opihi difficult to find on all islands. Current efforts to address the declining population of Hawaiian ‘opihi include Senate Bill No. 6 (2007), which, if passed, will prohibit the sale or offering for sale of ‘opihi, except in certain circumstances. Furthermore, a diverse group of scientists, private business people, and community organizations are collaborating with each other to address the declining ‘opihi populations and general lack of scientific information on this culturally important group of shellfish.

The purpose of this part is to appropriate funds for a ‘opihi restoration project to obtain a current baseline population of Hawaiian ‘opihi throughout the islands to more effectively assist in any future management and stocking strategies. The project is planned to be a hatchery-based restocking program as this has proved to be the most viable method for enhancing the depleted natural populations of ‘opihi.

SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $168,600 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009 for the University of Hawaii sea grant college program to cover salaries, rent, materials and supplies, and overhead costs of the ‘opihi restoration program.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this part.

PART III

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2008.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1616
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII		S.D. 1