THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	1403
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2019		S.D. 2
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO MARINE LIFE CONSERVATION DISTRICTS.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature has recognized that certain marine life conservation districts are worthy of special treatment due to their environmental and scenic importance and their role in conserving and replenishing marine reserves. Because the department of land and natural resources limits activities within marine life conversation districts, these areas provide protection for aquatic life and are typically the most common sites for snorkeling, diving, and underwater photography.

The purpose of this Act is to provide greater protection to any marine life conservation district not accessible by land by capping the number of access permits that may be issued and the number of permitted vessels that may enter the district at any single time.

SECTION 2. Section 190-4.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§190-4.5 Anchoring, boating, and mooring in marine life conservation districts; rules. (a) The department shall, pursuant to chapter 91, adopt rules for the regulation of anchoring and mooring in each marine life conservation district established under this chapter.

(b) For any marine life conservation district not accessible by land:

(1) There shall be no more than a total of forty permits granting access; provided that the department shall not issue any new permits in a respective marine life conservation district after forty permits have been issued for that marine life conservation district; and

(2) Access shall be limited to fifty per cent, rounded to the lesser of the nearest whole numbers, of the current number of permit holders.

[(b)] (c) Within its jurisdiction over ocean recreational boating and coastal activities, the department shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 for the regulation of boating in each marine life conservation district established under this chapter."

SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on December 31, 2050.

Report Title:

Marine Life Conservation Districts; Permits; Vessels

Description:

Prohibits the issuance of more than 40 access permits for any marine life conservation district not accessible by land. Limits access to the district to no more than 50% of permit holders. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD2)

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