HI HB2552

Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) shall conduct a study of Pohoiki Bay on Hawaii Island to resolve conflicts among commercial boat tours, fishers, Native Hawaiians exercising traditional gathering and subsistence rights, and recreational users.

Study of Pohoiki Bay shall evaluate current rules and regulations for commercial tour boats and fishing, magnitude of use, ocean-based recreation and coastal area programs, and other matters relevant to resolving user conflicts.

DLNR shall conduct a similar study of Keauhou Bay on Hawaii Island using the same evaluation criteria as the Pohoiki Bay study.

DLNR must submit reports on both studies to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2015, including findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation.

DLNR shall establish one conservation enforcement officer position in the Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement for the Pohoiki Bay area, funded through geothermal resource mining lease royalties.