Report Title:

Aquatic Resources Sanctuary Program; Hawaiian Monk Seals; Appropriation

 

Description:

Appropriates funds to create two seal coordinator positions in the department of land and natural resources division of aquatic resources sanctuary program to reverse the decline in the population of Hawaiian monk seals.  (SD1)

 

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

3169

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008

S.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO THE PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED AQUATIC MAMMALS.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The Hawaiian monk seal (monachus schauinslandi) has existed for over thirteen million years, longer than the Hawaiian Islands themselves, but has unfortunately suffered a rapid decline in its population over the past twenty years.  The population of Hawaiian monk seals is currently estimated at only 1,150 and experts predict that the population will be less than one thousand within the next four and a half years.  As a result, the Hawaiian monk seal is registered on the endangered species list and is the most endangered mammal in the entire United States.

     To combat the rapid decline in Hawaiian monk seals, the State of Hawaii requires the establishment of two seal coordinator positions within the department of land and natural resources division of aquatic resources sanctuary program that will:

     (1)  Enable the State to be in compliance with the incidental take permit conservation plan for the protection of registered animals on the endangered species list; and

     (2)  Enhance the coordination between the State of Hawaii and federal agencies with the objective of reversing the declining population of Hawaiian monk seals.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to establish two seal coordinator positions in the division of aquatic resources sanctuary program.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $160,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009 for two seal coordinator positions in the division of aquatic resources sanctuary program.

     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, 2008.