HI SCR98

Urges state agencies to coordinate participation in the Alliance for Coastal Technologies and Maritime Environmental Resource Center's program for assessing and evaluating biofouling management technologies, with Hawaii representing isolated tropical island climates.

Directs state agencies to review risks of non-abrasive cleaning of ship hull microfouling and establish best management practices allowing vessels with low-risk hull coatings to apply for in-water cleaning permits.

Calls for development and implementation of a measurable and enforceable biofouling management program with a voluntary compliance phase-in period beginning by December 31, 2019, consistent with the Hawaii Interagency Biosecurity Plan 2017-2027.

Recognizes that up to 78 percent of Hawaii's non-native marine algae and invertebrate species result from vessel biofouling, and designates the Department of Land and Natural Resources as the lead agency for preventing introduction of non-native aquatic organisms through hull fouling regulation.

Requires transmission of certified copies to the Governor and all members of the Hawaii Invasive Species Council.