HB2270

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the board of land and natural resources does not currently require any member to have a background in, or experience with, the State's fishing and boating communities. The legislature recognizes the value of ensuring that at least one board member has knowledge of the issues faced by these communities, including issues relating to ocean conservation and traditional fishing rights. A board member who has experience with these issues can educate other board members and help ensure the board makes well-informed decisions on matters affecting the fishing and boating communities.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require at least one member of the board of land and natural resources to be recommended by a statewide fishing organization and to have demonstrated knowledge of, and experience with, the State's boating and fishing communities, including knowledge of ocean conservation and traditional fishing rights.

SECTION 2. Section 171-4, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§171-4 Board of land and natural resources; terms and qualifications of members of the board; organization; expenses. (a) The board of land and natural resources shall be composed of seven members, one from each land district and three at large, to be nominated and, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, appointed by the governor as provided in section 26-34[.], except as provided in subsection (d). The term and removal of a member of the board and the filling of a vacancy on the board shall also be as provided in section 26-34[.] and subsection (d). There shall be not more than three members on the board from the same political party.

(b) At least one member of the board, other than the members appointed pursuant to subsections (c) and (d), shall have a background in conservation and natural resources, as evidenced by:

(1) A college degree in a relevant field, including forestry, wildlife conservation, geology, environmental science, or marine biology; or

(2) Work history sufficient to demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge in the subject of land and natural resources, including parks and recreation, public lands management, natural area reserves, aquatic resources, boating and recreation, forestry and wildlife, water resources management, or conservation and resources.

(c) At least one member of the board, other than the [~~member~~] members appointed pursuant to [~~subsection (b),~~] subsections (b) and (d), shall have demonstrated expertise in native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices, as evidenced by:

(1) A college degree in a relevant field, such as Hawaiian studies, native Hawaiian law, native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices, or related subject area;

(2) Work history that demonstrates an appropriate level of knowledge in native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices; or

(3) Substantial experience as a native Hawaiian traditional and customary practitioner.

(d) At least one member of the board, other than the members appointed pursuant to subsections (b) and (c), shall have demonstrated knowledge of the State's non-commercial and commercial fishing communities and recreational and commercial boating communities, as evidenced by:

(1) Work history that demonstrates an appropriate level of knowledge of the State's non-commercial and commercial fishing communities, traditional fishing rights, and conservation of the State's ocean resources;

(2) Work history that demonstrates an appropriate level of knowledge of the State's recreational and commercial boating communities; and

(3) Recommendation by a statewide fishing organization for nomination to the board.

[~~(d)~~] (e) Each member shall disclose and file with the board a list of all transactions with the department of land and natural resources in which the member has a direct interest. The member shall also disclose all transactions with the department involving any corporation, association, partnership, or joint venture in which the member is an officer, partner, or employee. Any member having any interest, direct or indirect, in any matter before the board shall disqualify oneself from voting on or participating in the discussion of the matter.

[~~(e)~~] (f) The governor shall select a chairperson of the board from among its members. The chairperson shall call and preside at meetings and may appoint a member of the board as secretary. The members of the board shall choose one of their number to act as chairperson during the absence or disability of the chairperson.

[~~(f)~~] (g) The members of the board shall serve without pay but shall be entitled to reimbursement for necessary expenses while attending meetings and while in the discharge of their duties."

SECTION 3. This Act shall apply to any vacancy of a member appointed pursuant to section 171-4(6), Hawaii Revised Statutes, that occurs on the board of land and natural resources after the effective date of this Act.

SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2270
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022
STATE OF HAWAII