HB2260 HD1

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2260
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The Hawaii association of conservation districts, through coordination, facilitation, and partnerships, assists government agencies in identifying and implementing projects and practices with cultural sensitivity to ensure the protection of Hawaii's environment. The Hawaii association of conservation districts is comprised of 16 districts representing every community on all major islands of Hawaii. Chapter 180, Hawaii Revised Statutes, authorizes the soil and water conservation districts to operate as a government subdivision to act, educate, construct, and maintain conservation projects and programs in Hawaii. Each of the districts is governed by five volunteer directors and has some level of staffing.

The soil and water conservation districts have worked to improve Hawaii's environment and economy through major projects over the past 50 years. While these projects do not occur in all districts every year, collaborative efforts with partners and government agencies have brought millions of dollars to Hawaii to improve farm practices, reduce erosion, improve ocean and drinking water quality, fight invasive species, improve public safety, protect property, conserve water, and strengthen the economy.

The soil and water conservation districts also provide educational and community support for conservation awareness. The districts participate in resource conservation and development projects, statewide high school programs, and introduce conservation principles to elementary schools.

In addition, the soil and water conservation districts are responsible for reviewing each county's grading permits and conservation plans. The county grading ordinance review and conservation plans are critical for the environment, economy, and people's livelihood. The demand, and requisite workload, for this service has increased dramatically with population growth and land use changes. The districts receive hundreds of requests for conservation plans and county grading ordinance reviews each year. As a result, districts are struggling to keep pace with the demand.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the Hawaii association of conservation districts to assist with its staffing and operating costs.

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 for staffing and operating costs of the Hawaii association of conservation districts.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2020.