HI HB2625

Establishes a marine debris working group attached to the Department of Land and Natural Resources, comprised of representatives from DLNR, four counties, the Hawaii Council of Mayors, and the University of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center, to resolve jurisdictional issues between state and counties over marine debris removal and coordinate cleanup efforts on beaches and shorefronts.

Working group members serve without compensation but are reimbursed for necessary expenses including air transportation, and are exempt from Hawaii Revised Statutes section 84-17 conflicts of interest provisions solely due to their participation.

Creates a marine debris special fund within the state treasury to be administered by DLNR, funded by legislative appropriations, gifts and donations from public and private agencies, and interest earnings on fund amounts.

Permits DLNR to expend special fund moneys for removing marine debris including plastic, nets, derelict vehicles, and grounded vessels from shorelines and nearshore waters.

Authorizes appropriations from general revenues to the marine debris special fund for fiscal year 2018-2019 and from the special fund to DLNR for debris removal operations; working group dissolves January 1, 2021; Act takes effect January 28, 2045.