HI HCR189

Urges state agencies to collaborate with stakeholders, including the Honolulu Harbor Users Group, to assess risks from aquatic invasive species and identify mitigation methods in preparation for 2022 federal regulations.

Identifies vessel ballast water and biofouling as primary vectors for introducing invasive species to Hawaii's marine environment, accounting for more than half of non-native marine species in the state.

References the federal Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (signed December 4, 2018), which requires the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Coast Guard to establish new federal standards for marine pollution control devices by the end of 2022.

Requests the Department of Health, Board of Land and Natural Resources, and Department of Transportation Harbors Division submit reports with findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2020, 2021, and 2022 regular sessions.

Notes Hawaii's nearshore marine environment generates approximately $4 billion in annual gross revenue through tourism, aquaculture, and fisheries industries that require protection from invasive species threats.