Bill > SB584

This bill amends the existing law governing the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA) by explicitly adding aquaculture to its list of supported activities. Specifically, the bill expands NELHA's duties to include supporting the research, development, and commercialization of aquaculture, which is the farming of aquatic organisms such as fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants. NELHA is an agency within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism that aims to facilitate research and commercialization of natural energy resources and ocean-related technology. The bill adds this eighth duty to NELHA's existing responsibilities, which already include establishing and managing research facilities, providing support to tenants, maintaining facilities, promoting natural resource utilization, and supporting ocean research and technology development. The addition of aquaculture to NELHA's mission reflects a broader recognition of the potential economic and scientific importance of marine farming in Hawaii. The bill will take effect upon its approval by the appropriate legislative authorities.

Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=584&year=2025