HI HCR126

Request Department of Agriculture, Department of Land and Natural Resources, and Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism to investigate feasibility of using native Hawaiian fishpond construction as foundation for sustainable aquaculture industry in Hawaii.

Require the three departments to develop recommendations regarding feasibility of developing a new sustainable culture-based aquaculture model in Hawaii.

Direct departments to promote and encourage aquaculture ventures incorporating native Hawaiian fishpond construction to create sustainable and economically sound future for Hawaii.

Require departments to report findings to Legislature no later than 20 days before convening of Regular Session of 2011.

Recognize historical fishpond systems that operated throughout Hawaiian Islands by early 19th century contained diverse fish species and were labor-intensive community efforts with potential ecological and cultural benefits.