HI HB2025

Establishes a Marine Species Task Force within the Department of Land and Natural Resources to identify the ten most vital marine species in Hawaii's reef ecosystems that are vulnerable to extinction from increased take levels.

Task force membership includes the Board of Land and Natural Resources chairperson (who serves as chair), the Division of Aquatic Resources administrator, Office of Hawaiian Affairs administrator, University of Hawaii representative, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation representative, NOAA Pacific Islands Regional Office representative, and other agencies as deemed appropriate.

Task force shall consult with marine wildlife experts, examine scientific data from credible sources, and assist in launching initiatives to gather additional data on vulnerable marine species.

Requires submission of an initial report to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2017 regular session and a final report with recommendations and proposed legislation no later than twenty days before the 2018 regular session.

Task force members serve without compensation with expenses paid by their respective agencies; task force ceases to exist on June 30, 2018; Act takes effect July 1, 2016.