HI HB2613

Exempts work involving submerged lands used for state commercial harbor purposes from permitting and site plan approval requirements under chapter 183C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, for lands in a conservation district.

Streamlines harbor project implementation by eliminating additional permitting requirements while maintaining environmental oversight through existing authorities including state environmental impact statements law and federal permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, EPA, and Clean Water Act.

Received support from the Department of Transportation and opposition from the Hawaii Historic Foundation, Hawaii's Thousand Friends, The Outdoor Circle, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Friends of Lanai, and twenty-five individuals.

Recommended for passage by the Senate Committees on Water, Land, and Housing and Transportation and International Affairs to support growing maritime industry needs.