H.B. 451 Summary

• Appropriates general revenue funds for fiscal year 2019-2020 to cover operational expenses and staffing costs of the Hawaii Association of Conservation Districts (specific dollar amount left blank in bill text).

• Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources to expend the appropriated funds for the Hawaii Association of Conservation Districts.

• Establishes that the 16 soil and water conservation districts across Hawaii provide services including county grading permit reviews, conservation plan preparation, farm plan assistance, invasive species control, and educational programs in schools.

• Identifies funding shortages as limiting conservation district services to priority watershed areas only, preventing assistance to farmers in non-priority areas and newly arriving farmers unfamiliar with U.S. environmental laws.

• Takes effect July 1, 2019.