| 47 | | - | SECTION 1. The legislature finds that coral reefs play a vital role in Hawaii's marine ecosystem, providing habitats for many native and endemic species. Healthy coral reefs support biodiversity as well as subsistence, recreational, and commercial fishing. In 2017, a study found that the food security contribution of Hawaii's coral reefs was valued at $7,000,000 to $13,000,000, or seven million meals, every year. It was further found in a 2019 study that Hawaii's coral reefs provided $836,000,000 in flood protection benefits. The legislature further finds that global stressors, such as the effects of climate change, including ocean warming, ocean acidification, and damage from severe weather, as well as local stressors, such as ship groundings, anchor damage, and overfishing, threaten Hawaii's valuable coral reefs. Coral bleaching was first reported in Hawaii in 1996, with subsequent major events in the following years. The slow growth rates of Hawaii corals hinder coral recovery after such events. To achieve the goals of ensuring healthy, well-managed fisheries in Hawaii and protecting aquatic resources from global and local stressors, the department of land and natural resources continues to manage coral reef restoration efforts. The department of land and natural resources' coral reef restoration efforts include managing coral nurseries, effective management of herbivore populations, invasive species removal, and general monitoring of coral reefs in state waters. These programs require specialized equipment and personnel. It is highly important that the State continue to support the efforts with funding toward restoring coral reefs in Hawaii. The legislature believes that additional funding is needed for coral reef restoration and habitat enhancement projects to provide crucial support toward efforts to protect Hawaii's valuable coral reefs and nearshore fisheries for future generations. Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to support coral reef restoration and habitat enhancement efforts. SECTION 2. 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 2023-2024 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for coral reef restoration and habitat enhancement efforts of the department of land and natural resources. The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act. SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on June 30, 3000. |
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| 47 | + | SECTION 1. The legislature finds that coral reefs play a vital role in Hawaii's marine ecosystem, providing habitats for many native and endemic species. Healthy coral reefs support biodiversity as well as subsistence, recreational, and commercial fishing. In 2017, a study found that the food security contribution of Hawaii's coral reefs was valued at $7,000,000 to $13,000,000, or seven million meals, every year. It was further found in a 2019 study that Hawaii's coral reefs provided $836,000,000 in flood protection benefits. The legislature further finds that global stressors, such as the effects of climate change including ocean warming, ocean acidification, and damage from severe weather, as well as local stressors, such as ship groundings, anchor damage, and overfishing, threaten Hawaii's valuable coral reefs. Coral bleaching was first reported in Hawaii in 1996, with subsequent major events in the following years. The slow growth rates of Hawaii corals hinder coral recovery after such events. To achieve the goals of ensuring healthy, well-managed fisheries in Hawaii and protecting aquatic resources from global and local stressors, the department of land and natural resources continues to manage coral reef restoration efforts. The department of land and natural resources' coral reef restoration efforts include managing coral nurseries, effective management of herbivore populations, invasive species removal, and general monitoring of coral reefs in state waters. These programs require specialized equipment and personnel. It is highly important that the State continue to support the efforts with funding toward restoring coral reefs in Hawaii. The legislature believes that additional funding is needed for coral reef restoration and habitat enhancement projects to provide crucial support toward efforts to protect Hawaii's valuable coral reefs and nearshore fisheries for future generations. Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to support coral reef restoration and habitat enhancement efforts. SECTION 2. 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 2023-2024 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for coral reef restoration and habitat enhancement efforts of the department of land and natural resources. The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act. SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2023. INTRODUCED BY: _____________________________ |
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