H.C.R. NO. 238 Summary

• Requests the Department of Health to certify its water quality testing laboratory and implement a statewide classification program for shellfish growing areas in both land-based and ocean-based waters.

• Directs the Department of Health to fully implement all components of the state shellfish sanitation plan to enable classification of shellfish growing areas immediately, noting Hawaii is the only coastal state where locally grown shellfish cannot be certified for local consumption.

• Requests the Department of Health to consult with University of Hawaii shellfish biologists and industry experts to develop a prioritized list of locations for testing and classification.

• Directs the Department of Health to cooperate with the shellfish industry and other state agencies to plan and develop expanded commercial culture of shellfish for seed production and seafood production.

• Requires the Director of Health to submit a report on actions taken to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2012 Regular Session convenes.