HI HB2613

Appropriates $150,000 from general revenues for fiscal year 2018-2019 to the University of Hawaii for hiring one full-time equivalent permanent position to support Heeia National Estuarine Research Reserve operations and management.

Designates the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa as the lead agency for implementing the Heeia National Estuarine Research Reserve System management plan, with partners including the Hawaii Community Development Authority, Department of Land and Natural Resources, and community organizations.

Heeia estuary on Oahu's windward shore was officially designated on January 19, 2017, as the 29th site in the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, enabling federal funding that matches state appropriations at a 70% federal to 30% state basis.

Contractors and third parties receiving funds under this Act are subject to review and inspection by the University of Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Attorney General, and Auditor, with required submission of all files and accounting records upon request.

Takes effect on July 1, 2018.