H.B. 1722 Summary

• Establishes an Aquacultural Area Lease Program within the Department of Agriculture to identify and lease state facilities, state lands, and state marine waters suitable for commercial aquaculture.

• Requires the department to identify aquacultural areas by June 30, 2024, through a public process subject to Chapter 92 (open meetings), consulting with the Department of Land and Natural Resources and agribusiness development corporation.

• Authorizes the board to issue commercial leases to qualified applicants who obtain all necessary federal, state, and county permits, including conservation district use permits, with all leases fully executed by June 30, 2032.

• Requires lessees to execute performance bonds, maintain exclusive harvest rights for cultivated species, assume responsibility for escaped plants or animals, and comply with specific lease terms regarding public access, liability, and environmental protection.

• Directs lease revenues to the Aquaculture Development Special Fund for program implementation, staff hiring, and consultant fees, while exempting the program from the Hawaii Ocean and Submerged Lands Leasing Act (Chapter 190D).