S.C.R. No. 229 Summary

• Requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources to conduct a comprehensive study on marine life conservation districts established under Act 192, Session Laws of Hawaii 1955

• Study must assess whether the Marine Life Conservation District Program is achieving its objectives of conserving and replenishing marine resources by limiting or prohibiting fishing and other consumptive uses

• Requires investigation of the effectiveness of designation criteria compared to International Union for Conservation of Nature protected area categories, including identification of areas needing additional protection within existing districts and areas outside districts that should receive such protections

• Department must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2024 Regular Session convenes

• Identifies ten existing marine life conservation districts in the State: Hanauma Bay (Oahu), Pūpūkea (Oahu), Waikīkī (Oahu), Kealakekua Bay (Hawaii), Lapakahi (Hawaii), Old Kona Airport (Hawaii), Waialea Bay (Hawaii), Honolua-Mokulēia (Maui), Molokini Shoal (Maui), and Mānele-Hulopoe (Lānai)