Hawaii Senate Bill SCR115

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• 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

If adopted, SCR115 could lead to significant changes in how recreational activities are regulated within MLCDs. As it stands, there are no existing administrative rules that explicitly prohibit recreational boating in these conservation zones, although there are regulations concerning anchoring and mooring in select MLCDs. By establishing a prohibition on recreational boating, the resolution aims to minimize human disturbance in these areas, which is crucial for maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. Ultimately, this could improve biodiversity and conservation efforts, aligning state legislation with broader environmental protection goals.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 115 (SCR115) aims to enhance the protection of Hawaii's delicate marine ecosystems by requesting the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to adopt administrative rules that would prohibit recreational boating activities in Marine Life Conservation Districts (MLCDs). This legislative effort comes in response to incidents that have raised concerns about the environmental impact of recreational boating in these sensitive areas, particularly a recent fuel spill from a grounded vessel off Honolua Bay, which adversely affected one of Maui's well-known marine sanctuaries.

Contention

While the bill proposes necessary regulatory adjustments for preserving marine life, it may encounter opposition from some recreational boating advocates who argue for the importance of access to these beautiful and ecologically significant areas. Balancing conservation efforts with recreational opportunities can be challenging, and stakeholders may enter debates regarding the potential economic impacts on local businesses that rely on tourism and boating activities. Thus, SCR115 is likely to spark discussions on the extent of restrictions that should be imposed to safeguard ecosystems while still considering the community's interests.