HB 2201 Summary

• Prohibits the removal of minerals from the seabed in all state marine waters, with limited exceptions for beach replenishment, scientific research, and native Hawaiian cultural practices.

• Defines "minerals" to include metals, placer deposits, nonmetallic minerals, gemstones, ores, gold, silver, copper, lead, iron, manganese, silica, chrome, platinum, tungsten, zirconium, titanium, garnet, phosphorous, polymetallic nodules, and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts.

• Prohibits the issuance of permits for the mooring, docking, or operation of any vessel designed or intended for seabed mineral removal.

• Allows sand collection from state marine waters for beach replenishment with prior board approval, and permits scientific research by educational, scientific, research institutions, or governmental agencies.

• Takes effect upon approval; does not affect rights, duties, or proceedings that existed before the effective date.