HB3391

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	3391
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the aquatic resources of Hawaii are in danger. The replenishment and conservation of these resources are vital to the economic, cultural, environmental, health, and social well-being of the State's residents, visitors, and future generations. In addition, the State's marine ecosystems are vital to global biodiversity. The legislature further finds that negative impacts on the size, number, distribution, diversity, and quality of important marine species and habitats may be reversed by assessing and mitigating activities that affect the marine ecosystem. The legislature further finds that the department of land and natural resources has done extensive studies to assess the effects of fishing on the marine resources, but has done little to investigate and assess the impacts of development, shore-based activities, and non-fishing activities on aquatic ecosystems, despite its clear statutory mandate to do so under section 187A‑2(6), Hawaii Revised Statutes.

The purpose of this Act is to require the department of land and natural resources to provide a comprehensive report on the status of the State's marine ecosystems.

SECTION 2. The department of land and natural resources shall compile a report that contains information and data on the following:

(1) The current character of the State's aquatic ecosystem;

(2) Impacts on the aquatic ecosystem from development, including shore-based activities and non-fishing activities;

(3) Impacts on the State's fishery resources from development; and

(4) Proposed actions to mitigate impacts on aquatic ecosystems, including anticipated results, a scheduled evaluation process, and strategies to assess effectiveness.

SECTION 3. The department of land and natural resources shall submit an interim report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2009, and shall submit a final report on its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2010. The final report shall include:

(1) An analysis of the impacts and benefits of the recommendations;

(2) A record of stakeholders' assistance and input; and

(3) The supporting rationale and data for the proposed recommendations.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________