Bill > SB2084

This bill requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to establish and manage a Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD) Carrying Capacity Program, which will assess how many people and commercial activities an MLCD can sustainably support without harming marine life. The program will evaluate the effectiveness of various restrictions, such as closures (known as "kapu"), activity limitations, and fees, and will propose long-term strategies to minimize human impact on these sensitive areas. The DLNR must consult with counties, the University of Hawaii, and existing commercial operators, and will need to update its administrative rules to implement the program's findings. Additionally, the DLNR is mandated to report its findings and recommendations, including any proposed new laws, to the Legislature in 2027 and 2028, and funds are appropriated for the program's implementation, with the entire act set to take effect on July 1, 2050.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2084&year=2026