Hawaii House Bill HR194

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24
• Report Pass: 3/27/24
• Report Pass: 4/4/24
• Refer: 3/27/24
• Passed: 4/4/24

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Collaborate With Federal, State, And County Governments; Landowners; And Stakeholders To Protect, Restore, And Manage The West Maui Wetlands And Wetlands Statewide.

Impact

The ongoing recovery efforts from the devastating wildfires in Lahaina represent a crucial opportunity to rebuild and restore significant wetlands, particularly the historically important Mokuhinia wetland. These recovery efforts underscore the historical public trust of wetlands in the state, which were once abundant habitats for a variety of species, including waterbirds and native plants. The resolution calls for a strategic statewide approach to wetland restoration, which could enhance green spaces, support biodiversity, and mitigate wildfire risks.

Summary

House Resolution 194 requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources to collaborate with federal, state, and county governments, along with landowners and stakeholders, to protect, restore, and manage wetlands in West Maui and throughout the state of Hawaii. The resolution highlights the ecological importance of wetlands, stating that they contribute to water quality, groundwater flows, and provide necessary habitats for various native species. Additionally, it emphasizes that wetlands serve as natural firebreaks and significantly benefit coastal water quality.

Contention

While the resolution is primarily a request for action and collaboration, it brings to light the challenges faced by wetlands in Hawaii, especially with regulations under the Clean Water Act no longer protecting many bodies of water. The risk of development and pollution threatening these ecologically significant areas is a noted concern. Effective collaboration among various levels of government and stakeholders will be essential to ensure that restoration efforts align with community needs and environmental objectives.