THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

417

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023

S.D. 1

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.  The department of land and natural resources shall prepare a Hawaii near shore waters quality program study and submit a report of the findings of the study to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2025.  The report shall:

     (1)  Describe what is currently known about the impacts of various contaminants and water quality parameters on marine ecosystems;

     (2)  Identify and prioritize the various contaminants and water quality parameters that should be monitored as indicators of coral reef ecosystem health; and

     (3)  Make recommendations on the establishment and operation of a Hawaii nearshore water quality program, including the level of funding and staffing needed, to monitor and test the quality of near shore waters to ensure the health of coastal coral reefs and ecosystems.

The department of land and natural resources shall consult with the department of health in preparing the report.

     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 for the department of land and natural resources to prepare the Hawaii near shore waters quality program report.

     The sum 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, 2050.

 

 

Report Title:

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

 

Description:

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources, in consultation with the Department of Health, to prepare a report making recommendations on the establishment of 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.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (SD1)

 

 

 

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