Bill > HB123

This bill proposes to exempt all fisheries operations and management in Hawaii from environmental review requirements under Chapter 343 of Hawaii Revised Statutes. The legislature argues that the Department of Land and Natural Resources already conducts thorough analysis of fishery data and ecosystem impacts when determining sustainable harvest levels, making additional environmental documentation unnecessary. Specifically, the bill adds a new section to Chapter 343 that explicitly states that any actions related to operating or managing fisheries in the state will be completely exempt from the environmental review process. The bill's purpose is to streamline fisheries management by removing what the legislature sees as redundant regulatory steps, while asserting that the department's existing processes already sufficiently protect environmental and cultural values. The exemption would take effect immediately upon the bill's approval, potentially making it easier for fisheries to conduct their operations with less administrative burden.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=123&year=2025