HI HR180

Request that the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) prohibit tethering of non-sanctioned vessels to DLNR-installed buoys or moorings within marine life conservation districts (MLCDs).

Establish that Hawaii has 11 established MLCDs designed to conserve and replenish marine resources including fish, crustaceans, mollusks, live coral, and algae in protected habitats.

Identify unauthorized vessel mooring as a threat to nearshore marine habitats and aquatic life, causing significant damage to reefs through use of heavy cables and chains anchored to the ocean floor.

Direct that certified copies of the resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources.