Bill Text: HI SB1006 | 2022 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Relating To Natural Resources.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2021-12-10 - Carried over to 2022 Regular Session. [SB1006 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2022-SB1006-Introduced.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
1006 |
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THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2021 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO NATURAL RESOURCES.
BE IT
ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that private corporations and foreign entities have taken steps to mine the deep-sea floor of the Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and the continental United States for its mineral wealth. Similar actions have been taken throughout the exclusive economic zone of Hawaii's neighboring Pacific island countries.
The legislature further finds that these seabed areas host deep-sea mineral deposits enriched in manganese, cobalt, and other metals of commercial interest. With the increase in demand, global commercial exploration of deep-sea minerals is accelerating.
The legislature additionally finds that mining of the deep-sea floor causes the destruction of ocean ecosystems. To mine the deep-sea floor, ships drag machinery across the floor and release millions of cubic feet of discharge per day. This discharge can contain toxins such as lead and mercury, and currents will carry this toxic sediment to surrounding ecosystems.
The legislature further finds that countless species are found in the marine waters around Hawaii in areas that outside interests may seek to mine, such as the world's oldest corals and many endangered species found nowhere else on the planet. The people of Hawaii also recreate and rely on these waters for their livelihood. Without proper protections, these ocean habitats could be at risk of extinction.
The purpose of this Act is to prohibit:
(1) Offshore drilling for oil, natural gas, or minerals in state marine waters; and
(2) Issuance of permits for or in connection with the development or operation of any facility or infrastructure associated with offshore drilling for oil, natural gas, or minerals in state waters.
SECTION 2. Chapter 190D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§190D- Offshore oil, natural gas, and mineral exploration in state waters; applications in support of oil, natural gas, and mineral exploration; prohibited. (a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, offshore drilling for oil, natural gas, or minerals shall be prohibited in state marine waters.
(b) No permit shall be issued for or in
connection with the development or operation of any facility or infrastructure
associated with offshore drilling for oil, natural gas, or minerals within state
waters.
(c) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), collection of sand from state waters to replenish beaches in the State is permitted; provided that prior approval from the board of land and natural resources is obtained."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Offshore Drilling; Oil, Natural Gas, and Minerals; State Waters; Infrastructure; Prohibition; Permitting
Description:
Prohibits offshore drilling for oil, natural gas, or minerals in state marine waters. Prohibits issuance of permits for or in connection with the development or operation of any facility or infrastructure associated with offshore drilling for oil, natural gas, or minerals in state waters. Provides exception for collection of sand for state beach replenishment.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
