Bill > SB1083

This bill addresses the critical issue of maintenance dredging for small boat harbors and waterways in Hawaii by requiring the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to include specific line-item funding for maintenance dredging in its annual budget request, starting with the 2027-2029 fiscal biennium. The bill recognizes that the current ad-hoc approach to dredging can lead to unsafe conditions at maritime facilities, potentially causing damage to boat hulls and risking site shutdowns. To remedy this, the legislation appropriates funds for conducting maintenance dredging at state small boat harbors, boat launch ramp facilities, and other state boating waterways during fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The funds will cover design, permitting, and actual dredging work, as identified by DLNR. By mandating proactive budgeting and funding for dredging, the bill aims to improve the maintenance and safety of critical maritime infrastructure that supports recreation, subsistence fishing, and public use of these facilities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1083&year=2026