HI HR20

Opposes National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) rule 064B-BA81 designating shorelines and waters surrounding all main Hawaiian Islands as critical habitat for Hawaiian monk seals.

NOAA failed to consult with Hawaii's Clean Energy Division before proposing the rule, which could effectively eliminate ocean-based clean energy projects including ocean thermal energy conversion, deep sea air conditioning, and wave energy programs.

NOAA's own economic report acknowledges insufficient data to determine the rule's impacts on clean energy programs, harbor modernization, oil spill cleanups, and beach restoration projects.

Requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism oppose the proposed rule, citing Hawaii's dependence on $7 billion in annual petroleum imports that clean energy development could reduce.

Directs certified copies of the resolution be transmitted to the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, the Governor, and relevant state department heads.