HI HB709

Establishes a task force to assist the Department of Land and Natural Resources in developing rules regulating fishing, gathering, leisure, and other activities in all coastal areas and nearshore waters.

Task force comprises seven members: two appointed by the governor, two by the senate president, two by the house speaker, and one selected from candidates provided by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Task force must submit annual written reports to the legislature no later than twenty days before the regular sessions of 2015, 2016, and 2017, and ceases to exist on June 30, 2017.

Prohibits the Department of Land and Natural Resources from implementing any rules relating to fishing, gathering, or ocean resources in Niihau's coastal areas and nearshore waters until the task force submits its final report.

Appropriates funds for the Department of Land and Natural Resources to conduct public outreach meetings on each island for adopting statewide coastal management rules, effective July 1, 2014.