Bill > HB913

This bill appropriates $551,064 to establish eight new full-time positions within the Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Aquatic Resources for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The positions include one aquatic biologist V for permitting and environmental review, another aquatic biologist V for environmental emergency response, an aquatic biologist V for aquatic invasive species, an aquatic biologist IV for permitting and environmental review, an aquatic biologist IV for noncommercial fisheries, an aquatic biologist IV for Molokai, an aquatic biologist III for Molokai, and two fishery technician IV positions for Molokai. The bill recognizes the division's critical mission of managing and conserving Hawaii's aquatic resources, which face increasing threats from invasive species, habitat degradation, pollution, reduced freshwater flow, and natural disasters. These threats have negatively impacted local fishing and gathering practices. The appropriated funds will support the division's efforts to address these challenges by adding specialized staff across various areas of aquatic resource management. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=913&year=2026