Bill > HR191

This bill urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to prioritize the restoration and protection of wetlands and anchialine pools in Hawaii. The resolution highlights the critical environmental importance of wetlands, which serve multiple functions such as enhancing wildfire and drought resistance, reducing flood magnitude, providing habitats for flora and fauna, filtering runoff, and protecting coral reefs and aquatic life. Specifically, the bill calls on DLNR to focus on restoring additional wetlands statewide, and requests the Division of Aquatic Resources to extend protective policies to anchialine pools (unique coastal pools with underground connections to the ocean). Additionally, the resolution asks the County of Maui to prioritize wetland protection, particularly in the Kihei area, over development concerns when possible. The bill emphasizes that protecting these ecosystems is not only environmentally crucial but also financially prudent, as restoring degraded wetlands can be extremely costly. The resolution will be officially transmitted to the DLNR Board Chairperson, the Division of Aquatic Resources Administrator, and the Maui County Mayor.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HR&billnumber=191&year=2025