HB 309 Summary

• Establishes a fishpond inventory working group within the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program to create a comprehensive inventory of all fishponds on state land.

• Requires the working group to compile data for each fishpond including traditional name, type, acreage, tax map key, current and historical condition, historical uses, permits, and surrounding land uses.

• Directs the working group to produce a map of all state fishponds and conduct a literature review including Hawaiian language newspapers by November 1, 2027.

• Working group consists of the UH Sea Grant director (chair), administrators from the Department of Land and Natural Resources' office of conservation and coastal lands and land division, plus representatives from Hui Mālama Loko I'a and other relevant persons.

• Appropriates general revenues for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 for the inventory project; working group dissolves June 30, 2028; takes effect July 1, 2050.