Bill Text: HI HB2020 | 2016 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Appropriation; DLNR; Decline of Limu and Reef Fish ($)
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 14-0)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2016-03-23 - Report adopted; Passed Second Reading and referred to WAM. [HB2020 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2016-HB2020-Amended.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2020 |
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TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE CAUSES OF DECLINE IN LIMU AND REEF FISH.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the steep decline of limu and reef fish along the Ewa coast of Oahu is a threat to Hawaii's economy, culture, and ecology. The legislature previously requested, through House Concurrent Resolution No. 119, S.D. 1, 2015, that the department of land and natural resources provide a report of recommendations for actions to stop the decline of limu and reef fish along the Ewa coast. In response to the request, the department of land and natural resources determined that it did not have sufficient past baseline data to compare the impacts of land use changes and nutrient changes on the limu and reef fish populations and recommended that studies be conducted to identify the causes of decline in limu and reef fish along the Ewa coast.
The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for the department of land and natural resources to conduct and contract for studies to identify the causes of decline in limu and reef fish along the Ewa coast.
SECTION 2. (a) The department of land and natural resources shall contract for a three-year study to survey, inventory, and monitor the macro-algae community along the Ewa coast of Oahu. The study shall investigate nutrient requirements for the desired native macro-algae species and shall investigate any invasive algae species, including Avrainvillea amadelpha, which are present and may out-compete native algae species for nutrients and space.
(b) The department of land and natural resources shall research, review, and analyze previous hydrological studies in the Ewa coast area of Oahu to determine what is already known and whether additional hydrological studies are needed to identify the causes of decline in limu and reef fish. The study shall include, but not be limited to, determinations of whether:
(1) Groundwater flows have changed;
(2) Nutrients present in the study area have changed;
(3) Groundwater and nutrient levels are connected; and
(4) Nutrient levels have caused the decline in limu and reef fish.
(c) The department of land and natural resources shall conduct a study to review and analyze the decline in commercial limu and reef fish landings in the Ewa area of Oahu.
SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 for the purposes of this Act.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2016.
Report Title:
Appropriation; DLNR; Decline of Limu and Reef Fish
Description:
Appropriates general funds for the department of land and natural resources to conduct and contract for studies to identify the causes of decline in limu and reef fish along the Ewa coast. (HB2020 HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
