H.R. No. 90 Summary

• Requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources to adopt administrative rules prohibiting recreational boating activities in Marine Life Conservation Districts (MLCDs).

• Prompted by a grounded vessel incident at Honolua Bay, Maui that caused a diesel fuel spill in the Honolua-Mokuleia Bay Marine Life Conservation District.

• Notes that while the Department has authority under chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes to regulate anchoring, mooring, and recreational boating in MLCDs, no comprehensive rules currently prohibit recreational boating in these areas (though limited rules exist for three specific MLCDs).

• Emphasizes that MLCDs are established under chapter 190, Hawaii Revised Statutes to protect delicate ocean ecosystems and should limit activities to only those permitted for scientific, educational, or public purposes.

• Directs certified copies be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, Administrator of the Division of Aquatic Resources, and Administrator of the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation.