HI SB102

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 as compensatory mitigation.

Permits in-lieu fee mitigation to be used prospectively when approved by the agency requiring mitigation, or for remedying past damages to aquatic habitats or resources.

Amends Chapter 187A, Part IV of Hawaii Revised Statutes to include aquatic in-lieu fee mitigation alongside existing aquatic mitigation banking provisions.

Changes the department's authority from "is authorized to" to "may" establish and operate these programs, and clarifies the scope to include both banked mitigation and in-lieu fee mitigation options.

Takes effect on December 31, 2050.