THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2773
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO SEABED MINING.

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

SECTION 1. Chapter 190D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§190D-   Seabed mining; permits; prohibited. (a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the mining, extraction, and removal of minerals from the seabed shall be prohibited in state marine waters.

(b) No permit shall be issued for or in connection with the development or operation of any facility or infrastructure associated with the mining, extraction, or removal of minerals from the seabed within state marine waters.

(c) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), collection of sand from state marine waters to replenish beaches in the State is permitted; provided that prior approval from the board of land and natural resources is obtained.

(d) This section shall not be construed to prohibit scientific research or collections conducted by, or on behalf of, an educational, scientific, or research institution or a governmental agency.

(e) As used in this section, "minerals" means natural deposits of valuable minerals, including metals and placer deposits of metals, nonmetallic minerals, gemstones, ores, gold, silver, copper, lead, iron, manganese, silica, chrome, platinum, tungsten, zirconium, titanium, garnet, phosphorous, polymetallic nodules, and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts.

(f) Nothing contained in this section shall diminish, alter, or amend any existing rights, privileges or practices of the Native Hawaiian people; nor shall the obligations of the State to the Native Hawaiian people be absolved."

SECTION 2. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Environmental Protection; Seabed Mining; Permits; Prohibition

Description:

Prohibits the mining, extraction, and removal of minerals from the seabed in all state marine waters. Prohibits the issuance of any permit for or in connection with the development or operation of any facility or infrastructure associated with the mining, extraction, or removal of minerals from the seabed within state marine waters.

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