Relating To The Aquatic Life And Wildlife Advisory Committees.
The bill proposes to remove the chairs of the aquatic life and wildlife advisory committees from the Animal Species Advisory Commission, thus reducing the size of the commission. The Department believes that sufficient representation will still be available to fulfill the commission's responsibilities. Furthermore, if needed, the department retains the ability to convene similar advisory committees administratively, ensuring that necessary advisory functions can continue without the formalized structures currently in place.
SB1184 aims to repeal the section of the Hawaii Revised Statutes that establishes the Aquatic Life and Wildlife Advisory Committees. The legislation is prompted by the Department of Land and Natural Resources' assessment that these committees have rarely convened and are outdated due to the evolving needs in managing aquatic and wildlife resources. With the impact of COVID-19 on state resources, this bill is part of an effort to reduce expenditures and streamline state governance concerning wildlife and aquatic life management.
Critics of the bill may argue that repealing the advisory committees diminishes local representation and oversight in managing aquatic and wildlife resources at the county level. The existing committees, albeit rarely convened, potentially offer a platform for localized voices in critical conservation discussions. The rationale behind the repeal revolves around efficiency and prioritizing vital resources in the wake of economic strain, yet it raises concerns regarding whether such moves could lead to a lack of local community participation in environmental governance.