HI HB86

Appropriates funds to the Department of Land and Natural Resources to establish permanent program specialist V positions to coordinate and implement the makai watch program for nearshore marine resource management.

Recognizes the makai watch program as an effective community-based co-management initiative that has fostered collaboration between stewards, government agencies, and coastal communities since the early 2000s.

Finds that nearshore marine resources face increasing threats from local and global stressors and that expanded makai watch support is necessary to ensure long-term sustainability of Hawaii's coastal ecosystems.

Appropriates unspecified funding for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to establish an unspecified number of full-time equivalent permanent program specialist V positions.

Takes effect on July 1, 2050.