Hawaii House Bill HB2472

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/24
• Refer: 1/26/24

Caption

Relating To The Conservation Of Threatened Species.

Impact

The proposed amendments will modify Section 195D-4 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, enhancing the ability of the department to regulate the take of threatened species. By allowing temporary licenses for actions tied to conservation projects, this bill is expected to facilitate more effective environmental management and species recovery initiatives. The bill's effect on local biodiversity could be significant, as it provides a framework for limited, controlled intervention that supports species preservation efforts.

Summary

House Bill 2472 aims to enhance the conservation efforts for threatened species in Hawaii by enabling the Department of Land and Natural Resources to issue temporary licenses for specified actions that would otherwise be prohibited under existing state laws. These licenses are intended for activities that are non-lethal and approved as part of conservation efforts, while ensuring that such actions will not interfere with the survival or recovery of the species in question. This legislation is seen as a necessary update to state laws to align more closely with federal regulations concerning species conservation.

Contention

While proponents argue that enabling temporary licenses will promote active conservation initiatives, critics may raise concerns about potential misuse of such permits. The balance between human activities and wildlife protection will be a crucial point of discussion. Some stakeholders may question how effectively the department will monitor and regulate these temporary licenses to ensure that they are used solely for conservation purposes and do not lead to unintended harmful impacts on local ecosystems.