HB1847 Summary

• Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to adopt rules protecting herbivorous fish in all state waters, including coastal waters, streams, rivers, ponds, reservoirs, and lakes.

• Establishes rulemaking authority under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 91 to protect herbivorous fish species necessary for coral reef health throughout Hawaii.

• Addresses coral reef degradation caused by climate change, ocean acidification, coral bleaching, and pollution by ensuring adequate herbivorous fish populations to prevent macro algae overgrowth on reefs.

• Effective date of July 1, 2050.