HB2631

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that mullet production for fishponds and stock enhancement contributes to food security, cultural preservation, and education and collaboration. The legislature further finds that the division of aquatic resources of the department of land and natural resources received $300,000 in 2023 for fishpond support. Furthermore, the legislature finds that a long-term solution to provide pua (juvenile stripe mullet) was identified as a priority and as a result, the funds were awarded to Waianae high school, which has an aquaculture system and expressed interest in breeding mullet.

Moreover, the legislature notes that these funds were used to pay the Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University to produce pua and train two interns on how to breed mullet. The mullet produced will be distributed to fishponds on Oahu.

In addition, the legislature finds that there is also interest in using the division of aquatic resources' Anuenue fisheries research center at Sand island on Oahu and Wailoa fisheries research station in Hilo, Hawaii, as space for the pua to grow prior to their release, as this is believed to increase survivorship rates. These fish would be provided to fishponds on Oahu and Hawaii island and released in public areas, such as the Wailoa estuary. The legislature further finds that other restorative aquaculture projects, including limu, moi, aholehole, and wetland plants, could also be explored.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds, including for positions, equipment, and maintenance and operating costs, for mullet production for fishponds and stock enhancement.

SECTION 2. 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 following positions:

(1) Two full-time equivalent (2.0 FTE) aquatic biologist V positions, one at the division of aquatic resources' Anuenue fisheries research center on Oahu and one at Waianae high school in Waianae, Oahu;

(2) Two full-time equivalent (2.0 FTE) aquatic biologist IV positions, one at the division of aquatic resources' Anuenue fisheries research center on Oahu and one at the division of aquatic resources' Wailoa fisheries research station in Hilo, Hawaii;

(3) Three full-time equivalent (3.0 FTE) fishery technician V positions, one at the division of aquatic resources' Anuenue fisheries research center on Oahu, one at Waianae high school in Waianae, Oahu, and one at the division of aquatic resources' Wailoa fisheries research station in Hilo, Hawaii; and

(4) One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) fishery technician IV position at Waianae high school in Waianae, Oahu.

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

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $4,500,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for:

(1) Shipping containers for office space and plankton production;

(2) Tanks;

(3) Backup generators; and

(4) Hatchery equipment,

for the division of aquatic resources' Anuenue fisheries research center on Oahu and Wailoa fisheries research station in Hilo, Hawaii, and for Waianae high school in Waianae, Oahu.

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

SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $150,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for maintenance and operating costs, including feed, supplies, electricity, and water.

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

SECTION 5. 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 H.B. No. , will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024‑2025 to be exceeded by $ or per cent. In addition, the appropriation contained in this Act will cause the general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024‑2025 to be further exceeded by $ or per cent. The combined total amount of general fund appropriations contained in only these two Acts will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024‑2025 to be exceeded by $ or per cent. 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 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2631
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII