Strongly Urging The United States Army Corps Of Engineers To Work With The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Mitigate Negative Impacts To Corals And Other Important Coral Reef Resources While Dredging In State Waters.
Impact
The resolution calls for the reevaluation of the Corps' assessments regarding the destruction of coral colonies, specifically challenging the view that the destruction of at least seventy coral colonies constitutes a minimal ecological impact. It aims to influence how the Corps applies regulations under title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations, particularly in relation to the authorization of dredging activities and their environmental assessments. By urging the suspension of the Nationwide Permit 35 authorization, SCR201 seeks to ensure that ecological concerns are adequately considered and addressed in dredging projects like that of Honolulu Harbor.
Summary
SCR201 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the 31st Legislature of Hawaii that strongly urges the United States Army Corps of Engineers to collaborate with the Department of Land and Natural Resources to mitigate negative impacts to corals and coral reef resources during dredging activities in state waters. The resolution expresses concern about the ecological consequences of dredging, particularly in relation to the coral colonies that are vital to Hawaii's marine environment. It highlights the environmental planning protocols that are intended to minimize adverse effects during dredging, seeking to enhance protections for coral resources throughout the region.
Contention
Debate surrounding SCR201 centers on the balance between maintaining shipping channels and protecting critical marine habitats. Proponents of the resolution emphasize the need for stringent environmental safeguards due to the threats posed to coral reefs by climate change, pollution, and human activity. There is a strong sentiment that the ecological value of corals in Hawaii is not being adequately recognized. On the opposite side, there may be concerns regarding the economic implications of halting dredging projects, which could impact the maritime supply chain and commerce dependent on such channels.
Same As
Strongly Urging The United States Army Corps Of Engineers To Work With The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Mitigate Negative Impacts To Corals And Other Important Coral Reef Resources While Dredging In State Waters.
Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Work With The National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration And Other Experts To Conduct A Study On The Population Status Of Coral Reef Herbivores Around The Island Of Oahu And Develop Effective Policies For Substantially Increasing Those Populations Within A Decade.
Urging The Division Of Boating And Ocean Recreation Of The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Use Job Order Contracting For Boating And Ocean Recreation Facility Maintenance And Repair.
Urging The Department Of Health And Encouraging The County Of Maui, United States Army Corps Of Engineers, And Federal Emergency Management Agency To Take Certain Measures To Ensure The Safest Possible Management Of Ash And Debris From The August 2023 Maui Wildfires.
Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Work With The National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration And Other Experts To Conduct A Study On The Population Status Of Coral Reef Herbivores Around The Island Of Oahu And Develop Effective Policies For Substantially Increasing Those Populations Within A Decade.
Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Work With The National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration And Other Experts To Conduct A Study On The Population Status Of Depleted Coral Reef Herbivores Around The Island Of Oahu And Develop Effective Alternative Policies For Substantially Replenishing Those Populations Within A Decade.
Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Work With The National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration And Other Experts To Conduct A Study On The Population Status Of Coral Reef Herbivores Around The Island Of Oahu And Develop Effective Policies For Substantially Increasing Those Populations Within A Decade.
Strongly Urging The United States Army Corps Of Engineers To Work With The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Mitigate Negative Impacts To Corals And Other Important Coral Reef Resources While Dredging In State Waters.