HI SR167

Requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources conduct a study on marine life conservation district designations in Hawaii.

Study must assess whether the Marine Life Conservation District Program is achieving its objectives.

Study must investigate effectiveness of criteria for designating marine life conservation districts compared to International Union for Conservation of Nature protected area categories.

Study must identify areas within existing marine life conservation districts requiring additional protection and areas outside existing districts that should receive such designation, including potential expansions.

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