THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2296
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to fishponds.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that loko ia, or fishponds, play an important role in Hawaiian cultural practices, have an ecologically important role in watersheds, and could significantly contribute to the State's food security goals. The legislature further finds that providing juvenile fish to restock loko ia through the division of aquatic resources of the department of land and natural resources will support ongoing efforts to restore the State's fishponds.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to support the department of land and natural resources in restoring and restocking fishponds.

SECTION 2. 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 3. 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 department of land and natural resources to restore and restock fishponds by:

(1) Procuring fingerlings and limu; and

(2) Establishing one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) aquaculture coordinator biologist VI position;

provided that the department shall consult with relevant Native Hawaiian communities and organizations.

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

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

DLNR; Fishponds; Restocking; Restoration; Expenditure Ceiling; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to the Department of Land and Natural Resources to restore and restock fishponds by procuring fingerlings and limu and establishing one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) Aquaculture Coordinator Biologist VI position.

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