HI SB808

Appropriates $450,000 from the special land and development fund to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for operational expenses and staffing costs of the Hawaii Association of Conservation Districts for fiscal year 2017-2018.

Establishes that the sixteen soil and water conservation districts in Hawaii need increased funding due to dramatically increased demand from population growth and land use changes, including hundreds of annual requests for conservation plans and county grading permit reviews.

Finds that funding shortages prevent the Hawaii Association of Conservation Districts from providing services to farming areas outside priority watersheds and limit assistance to farmers needing grubbing and grading permits and farm plan preparation.

Recognizes the conservation districts' role in implementing environmentally-sensitive projects, educating the public, improving farm practices, reducing erosion, protecting water quality, fighting invasive species, and supporting agricultural development across all major Hawaiian islands.

Effective date: July 1, 2017.