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 as compensatory mitigation.

Allows in-lieu fee mitigation for prospective impacts when approved by the agency requiring mitigation, or for past damages to aquatic habitats and resources.

Amends Chapter 187A, Part IV of Hawaii Revised Statutes to expand the scope from aquatic mitigation banking to include aquatic in-lieu fee mitigation.

Takes effect upon approval.