HI HB1561

Allows the University of Hawaii to use Department of Land and Natural Resources staff to provide security at Moku-o-loe (Coconut Island) in Kaneohe Bay, addressing the $161,000+ annual cost of 24-hour private security.

Amends Section 187A-12 to explicitly include "security staff" among the resources the University of Hawaii may use from the DLNR without charge for biological laboratory and research purposes.

Exempts the Hawaii marine laboratory refuge on Coconut Island from obtaining state permits for repair and maintenance of facilities, streamlining necessary facility improvements for time-sensitive research work.

Clarifies that the Hawaii marine laboratory refuge consists of reefs and bay waters surrounding Moku-o-loe extending 25 feet beyond the outer edges of the reefs, and continues only as long as the University maintains the laboratory there.

Effective date: July 1, 2011.