HB 488 Summary

• Establishes an aquacultural area lease program within the Department of Agriculture to identify and lease state facilities, state lands, and state marine waters suitable for commercial aquaculture

• Department must complete identification and selection of aquacultural areas by June 30, 2025, and must execute all leases by June 30, 2033

• Requires lessees to obtain all necessary federal, state, and county permits, including conservation district use permits, and prohibits activities that adversely impact existing state programs, konohiki fishing rights, or public use of reefs

• Imposes civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day for conducting unauthorized aquacultural activities and establishes civil and criminal liability for damage to permitted aquacultural operations

• Revenues from aquacultural area leases are deposited into the aquaculture development special fund to support program implementation, hiring, and lease payments to other state agencies