THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

417

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to Coral Reef ecosystems.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1. (a)  There is established the Hawaii near shore waters quality program, to be administered by the department of land and natural resources, to monitor and test the quality of near shore waters to ensure the health of coastal coral reefs and ecosystems.

     (b)  Under the Hawaii near shore waters quality program, the department of land and natural resources shall:

     (1)  Create a near coast waters stewardship council to administer the program;

     (2)  Monitor and test the quality of near shore waters and establish a baseline standard of water quality; and

     (3)  Collect and test water samples from near shore reefs to determine the existence and levels of any concerning contaminates that may pose risks to the health of the reef ecosystems;

     (c)  The department of land and natural resources shall submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2024 on the expenditure of all funds for the Hawaii near shore waters quality program and any recommendations arising from the program.

     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 2023-2024 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the Hawaii near shore waters quality program.

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

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2023.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Hawaii Near Shore Waters Quality Program; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Appropriation

 

Description:

Establishes a Hawaii Near Shore Waters Quality Program to monitor and test for the quality of waters near coral reefs to assess and ensure health of reef ecosystems.  Appropriates funds.

 

 

 

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