HI HR191

Urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources to prioritize restoration and protection of additional wetlands in Hawaii, recognizing their role in wildfire and drought resistance, flood reduction, and habitat provision for endangered species.

Requests the Division of Aquatic Resources apply protective policies afforded to wetlands to Hawaii's anchialine pools to prevent degradation of their rare ecosystems and species.

Asks the County of Maui to prioritize protection of wetlands, particularly in Kihei on the Island of Maui, over development concerns where feasible.

Identifies wetlands as vital natural filters for stream, storm, and urban runoff that protect coral reefs and recreational ocean activities from sediment damage.

Notes that preventing wetland degradation is cost-effective, as restoring degraded wetlands can be prohibitively expensive once damaged.