Hawaii House Bill HR90

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/9/23
• Refer: 3/15/23

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Adopt Administrative Rules Prohibiting Recreational Boating Activities In Marine Life Conservation Districts.

Impact

The bill emphasizes the delicate nature of ocean ecosystems found in conservation areas and highlights the need for stricter regulations to protect these environments. By prohibiting recreational boating, the bill aims to minimize human impact on marine life and promote ecological integrity in MLCDs. Currently, there are no explicit rules against recreational boating in these areas, despite the existence of some regulations concerning anchoring and mooring activities at specific sites. The enactment of HR90 would fill this regulatory gap and ensure that only permit-regulated activities occur in these sensitive locations.

Summary

House Resolution 90 (HR90) seeks to mandate the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) in Hawaii to adopt administrative rules that will prohibit recreational boating activities within Marine Life Conservation Districts (MLCDs). The bill is a direct response to an incident involving a fuel spill from a grounded vessel at Honolua Bay, which is a part of the MLCD. The spillage raised significant concerns about the preservation and protection of Hawaii's sensitive marine ecosystems, which the MLCDs aim to safeguard.

Contention

Debate surrounding HR90 may center on balancing environmental conservation efforts with recreational freedom. While supporters argue that stricter boating regulations are crucial for marine preservation, opponents may raise concerns about limiting public access to these waters and the impacts on tourism or local boating communities. The measure reflects efforts to enforce higher standards of environmental protection, but it may trigger disagreements over economic implications and the rights of recreational boaters in Hawaii.