Relating To Adaptive Natural Resource Management.
By passing SB1174, the administrative procedures for natural resource management in Hawaii would be streamlined. The Board would have the authority to temporarily adopt, amend, or repeal certain rules at publicly noticed meetings, hence facilitating quicker responses to pressing environmental changes. This flexibility is intended to aid in the preservation and management of wildlife, especially given the significant impacts of both environmental and anthropogenic factors on these resources.
Senate Bill 1174 aims to enhance the management of Hawaii's aquatic and terrestrial wildlife resources by allowing the Board of Land and Natural Resources to implement adaptive management measures swiftly. The bill recognizes that environmental conditions can change rapidly, requiring timely actions that the current administrative rule-making process may not accommodate sufficiently. The proposed changes are designed to ensure that the department can respond effectively with the best available scientific information, while still maintaining opportunities for public review and input on critical resource management decisions.
Although proponents argue that this bill would facilitate necessary and timely management adaptations, it could face contention regarding the balance of rapid regulatory changes and public involvement. Critics might express concerns that fewer procedural steps could lead to hasty decisions without adequate public discourse, potentially undermining community trust in environmental governance. This aspect of the bill emphasizes the need to retain robust public input mechanisms even within a framework aiming for rapid adaptability.