HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1471
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO AQUACULTURE.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that most of the fish consumed in the United States is imported.  Of all products imported in the country, the value of imported seafood is second only to petroleum.  As supplies of fish stock continue to be depleted, aquaculture represents an alternative means to meet the demand for fish products.

     The legislature further finds that land-based aquaculture farming, as distinguished from ocean-based aquaculture farming, is a growing industry in Hawaii.  Land-based aquaculture includes aquacultural activities in controlled environments such as ponds, tanks, and aquaponics structures.

     The purpose of this Act is to provide organizational structure and support to the aquaculture industry by engaging the department of agriculture to facilitate land-based aquaculture farming on lands exceeding three acres in area and classified as agricultural.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 141, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§141-     Aquaculture farming.  (a)  Notwithstanding chapter 180 or any other law to the contrary, the department of agriculture shall facilitate land-based aquaculture farming on land that:

     (1)  Exceeds three acres in area; and

     (2)  Is placed within an agricultural district pursuant to section 205-2.

     (b)  For the purposes of this section:

     "Land-based aquaculture" means all aquaculture activities, as defined in section 219-2, when carried out on land by a qualified aquaculturist.  The term shall not include ocean-based aquaculture.

     "Qualified aquaculturist" shall have the same meaning as defined in section 219-2."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2020.

 

Report Title:

DOA; Aquaculture

 

Description:

Requires Department of Agriculture to facilitate land-based aquaculture farming on lands exceeding three acres in area and classified as agricultural.  Effective July 1, 2020.  (HB1471 HD1).

 

 

 

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