Bill > HB506

This bill addresses conservation enforcement challenges for coral reef protection on the island of Oahu by appropriating $4,974,040 in state funds to equip the Oahu Branch of the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DLNR DOCARE) with specialized equipment. The funding is motivated by the legislature's findings that Oahu's coral reefs are among the most degraded in Hawaii, facing threats from historical land use practices, climate change, and declining populations of herbivorous fish like parrotfishes (uhu) and surgeonfishes (kala) that help maintain reef health. The appropriation includes funding for maritime and land vehicles, emergency equipment, surveillance tools, and marine enforcement gear such as two maritime patrol vessels, 32 police patrol vehicles, drones, night-vision devices, mobile surveillance trailers, SCUBA gear, and communication equipment. The bill aims to enhance DOCARE's ability to enforce recently adopted statewide herbivore fishing rules, particularly on Oahu, where fishing intensity is high and nighttime poaching poses significant challenges. The equipment is intended to support marine conservation efforts by improving the division's capacity to monitor and protect coral reef ecosystems. The funds will be expended by the Department of Land and Natural Resources and are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=506&year=2025