Bill Text: HI SB673 | 2014 | Regular Session | Introduced

Hawaii Senate Bill 673 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Aquarium Fish Permit; Environmental Assessment; Appropriation ($)

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2013-12-18 - Carried over to 2014 Regular Session. [SB673 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2014-SB673-Introduced.html

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	673
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE ENVIRONMENT.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii is the largest exporter in the United States of aquatic species that are intended for the aquarium trade. Consequently, aquarium collectors capture hundreds of thousands of fish and invertebrates from Hawaii's reefs every year and over two hundred species of fish and invertebrates. Herbivorous fish and invertebrates are important to reef health in helping to control algae growth, among other things. The legislature further finds that diminished stocks of coral reef fish results in a shift from coral-dominated to algae-dominated reef ecosystems, which impairs the health of the reefs.

The purpose of this Act is to require that the department of land and natural resources conduct an environmental assessment for the purpose of issuing permits to take aquatic life for aquarium purposes.

SECTION 2. The department of land and natural resources shall conduct an environmental assessment as described in chapter 343, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to determine if aquarium fish permits should continue to be issued pursuant to section 188-31, Hawaii Revised Statutes, or limited in number and scope.

For purposes of this Act, the issuance of aquarium fish permits shall be deemed to be a program or project as used in the definition of "action" in section 343-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2013-2014 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014-2015 for the department of land and natural resources to conduct an environmental assessment as described in section 2 of this Act.

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

SECTION 4. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2013.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Aquarium Fish Permit; Environmental Assessment; Appropriation

Description:

Requires and appropriates funds for the department of land and natural resources to conduct an environmental assessment to determine whether aquarium fish permits should be continued to be issued.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.