Bill > HB309

This bill establishes a fishpond inventory working group within the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program to comprehensively document and map fishponds (known in Hawaiian as loko i`a) located on state land. The working group, which will include representatives from the University of Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources, and a local fishpond organization called Hui Malama Loko I`a, will create a detailed inventory of each fishpond that includes its traditional name, type, acreage, tax map key, current and historical condition, historical uses, surrounding land uses, and other relevant data. Historically, Hawaii had approximately 488 fishponds before Western contact, with only 99 actively used by 1901, and currently about 49 are managed by community organizations. The working group will produce both an interim report by November 1, 2026, and a final report by November 1, 2027, with the goal of preserving traditional Hawaiian culture, enhancing ecological well-being, and expanding food security. The bill includes an appropriation of funds for the project and is set to take effect on July 1, 2050, with the working group dissolving on June 30, 2028.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=309&year=2026