HI SCR166

Urges all applicable state agencies to coordinate with stakeholders, including the Honolulu Harbor Users Group, to assess risks from aquatic invasive species and identify mitigation strategies ahead of new federal standards expected in 2022

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 and estuarine species

References the Hawaii Interagency Biosecurity Plan 2017-2027 and notes the state currently has only one person assigned to develop and implement Hawaii's ballast water and vessel biofouling prevention program

Acknowledges the federal Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA) signed December 4, 2018, which requires EPA and U.S. Coast Guard to establish federal standards for vessel discharges including ballast water and hull biofouling within four years

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