HI HB779

Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources to establish and operate aquatic in-lieu fee mitigation programs to restore, create, enhance, or preserve aquatic habitats and resources as compensatory mitigation.

Allows in-lieu fee mitigation to be used when a person is required to provide compensatory mitigation prospectively (with agency approval) or for past damages to aquatic habitats or resources.

Amends Chapter 187A, Part IV of Hawaii Revised Statutes to rename the section "Aquatic mitigation banking and aquatic in-lieu fee mitigation" to reflect the expanded scope.

Establishes in-lieu fee mitigation as an alternative mechanism to aquatic mitigation banking for achieving ecologically valuable conservation and habitat recovery.

Takes effect upon approval.