HI HB952

Appropriates funds from general revenues to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for fiscal year 2023-2024 to protect, manage, and restore natural resources including native forests, native plants and animals, aquatic resources, coastal lands, and freshwater resources.

Finds that climate change threatens Hawaii's coral reefs and native forests, which serve as carbon sinks and natural buffers against storm damage, while also being essential to Hawaii's culture, food systems, and economy.

Identifies invasive species as the greatest threat to Hawaii's native ecosystems, noting that climate change compounds invasive species impacts through range expansion and ecosystem stress.

Recognizes recent federal legislation including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, and Restoring Resilient Reefs Act as providing record federal funding opportunities that require state matching funds to access.

Takes effect on June 30, 3000.