HI HB2520

Appropriates funds from general revenues to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for fiscal year 2012-2013 to protect priority watershed forests in Hawaii (specific dollar amount left blank in bill text).

Authorized uses include invasive species removal, fence construction and maintenance, control of forest threats, and forest restoration projects conducted under watershed management plans.

Directs funding toward protecting approximately 90,000 acres of priority watershed areas, with a goal to double protected areas within ten years requiring approximately $11,000,000 annually.

Addresses declining water supplies by recognizing that forest watersheds are essential for groundwater recharge, with invasive plants estimated to have reduced groundwater recharge by 85 million gallons daily in east Hawaii.

Takes effect July 1, 2012, implementing the Department of Land and Natural Resources' "Rain Follows the Forest" plan to sustain Hawaii's critical freshwater sources.