THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2156
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to port infrastructure.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that maintenance dredging is critical to the maintenance of small boat harbors, channels, ramps, and other port infrastructure in the State. The legislature further finds that the current system of waiting until dredging is imminent to appropriate funds and only then initiating the permitting process creates a haphazard system for both the allocation of money and the issuance of permits. This disorganized process sometimes contributes to worsened conditions at these facilities when increased amounts of marine sediment and foreign debris accumulate, sometimes up to such a height that, if not cleared immediately, it can damage the hulls of ships. These conditions can potentially cause a shutdown of the affected sites, which are important for recreation and subsistence fishing and use by the general public, for safety reasons.

The legislature further finds that federal agencies have encouraged the states to adopt programmatic schedules of maintenance dredging to expedite federal review and even draw down federal dollars that are available to assist the states in these endeavors. Creating a strategic plan for maintenance dredging of small boat harbors, channels, ramps, and other port infrastructure in the State will spread resources based on actual need and allow ample time for permitting and public input before port infrastructure reaches a critical stage.

The purpose of this Act is to require the department of land and natural resources to create a strategic plan for maintenance dredging of small boat harbors, channels, ramps, and other important port infrastructure in the State.

SECTION 2. The department of land and natural resources shall create a strategic plan for maintenance dredging of small boat harbors, channels, ramps, and other port infrastructure. The strategic plan shall include:

(1) A list of potential projects in locations where the department has identified a need for maintenance dredging;

(2) Detailed estimated costs of each project; and

(3) A detailed timeline of each project until completion that prevents or minimizes closures or interruption of services at each project site.

The department shall submit a report, including the strategic plan and any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2025.

SECTION 3. In accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Hawaii State Constitution and sections 37-91 and 37-93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriations contained in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 to be exceeded by $           or       per cent. This current declaration takes into account general fund appropriations authorized for fiscal year 2024-2025 in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act only. The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that:

(1) The appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest; and

(2) The appropriation made in this Act meets the needs addressed by this Act.

SECTION 4. 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 2024-2025 for the purpose of creating a strategic plan for maintenance dredging of harbor and port locations, as identified by the department of land and natural resources.

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

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

DLNR; Maintenance Dredging; Port Infrastructure; Strategic Plan; Report; Expenditure Ceiling; Appropriation

Description:

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to create a strategic plan for maintenance dredging of harbors and port locations. Requires a report to the Legislature. Makes an appropriation.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.