THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	3105
TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2018		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the acquisition of Lipoa point to protect and preserve public access, along with traditional cultural gathering rights, and staving off development, was a monumental landmark achievement in land conservation.  The legislature further finds that in order to protect and preserve this area and ensure the public health and safety of this pristine region while community planning is ongoing, support from the State and county as well as private and nonprofit entities is needed.  In the past, while appropriations have been made to the department of land and natural resources, the funds were not specifically set aside for management activities.  The community has instead relied on private groups to fund essential maintenance activities to make the area a safe place for countless visitors who travel to Lipoa point every year and the many local families who visit Lipoa point for surfing, fishing, diving, and other recreational activities.

     The legislature further finds that many visitors use the waters of the adjacent Honolua Bay Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD).  Visitor support along with that of the county, State, and community and nonprofit groups can create a dedicated fund for the protection of this asset for the public.  Furthermore, the legislature finds that other states have initiated contributions from visitors who frequent and use the natural resources of their natural attractions as a way to continue to beautify and preserve the area while educating visitors about the use of the contributions.  Most importantly, visitor contributions for protecting the areas have led to the visitor community supporting these critical activities.  By creating a special fund for a visitor contribution program for individuals frequenting Honolua Bay MLCD along with other private and government funding, the legislature finds that the department of land and natural resources can ensure continued access and enjoyment by all in addressing the basic health and safety issues for Lipoa point.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish a special fund to be used for the management of the Lipoa point area and to educate visitors of the stewardship activities in the area.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 171, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§171-    Lipoa point management special fund.  (a)  There is established the Lipoa point management special fund.  The following moneys shall be deposited into the Lipoa point management special fund:

     (1)  Appropriations made by the legislature for deposit into the fund;

     (2)  Grants, donations, gifts, or other income received for the purposes of the fund; and

     (3)  Interest earned or accrued on moneys in the special fund.

     (b)  Moneys in the fund shall be used:

     (1)  To support the management of the Lipoa point area, including but not limited to operations and maintenance costs; and

     (2)  To provide educational awareness to visitors of the Lipoa point area and that all moneys collected in the fund are being used for stewardship of the Lipoa point area.

     (c)  The department shall submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session on the special fund balance, the expenses made from the special fund, and the purposes of each expense."

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $100,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2018-2019 to be deposited into the Lipoa point management special fund established pursuant to section 171-  , Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the Lipoa point management special fund established pursuant to section 171-  , Hawaii Revised Statutes, the sum of $100,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2018-2019 for the purposes of supporting the management of the Lipoa point area and providing educational awareness to visitors of the Lipoa point area.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2018.

 

 

Report Title:

Department of Land and Natural Resources; Lipoa Point; Special Fund; Appropriation

 

Description:

Establishes the Lipoa point management special fund for the management of the Lipoa point area and educate visitors on how funding is used for the management of the Lipoa point area.  Appropriates funds into and out of the Lipoa point management special fund.  (SD1)

 

 

 

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