HI SB561

Appropriates funds from general revenues for fiscal year 2025-2026 to purchase equipment for the Oahu branch of the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement under the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Equipment includes two maritime enforcement patrol vessels, two patrol watercrafts, thirty-two marked patrol vehicles, towing vehicles, floating dock, SCUBA gear, portable radios, night-vision devices, drones with pilot certificates, mobile surveillance trailers, and license plate recognition camera systems.

Funding supports enforcement of statewide herbivore fishing rules adopted in December 2023, intended to protect coral reef ecosystems around Oahu by preventing overfishing of herbivorous fish species that control seaweed growth.

Addresses enforcement challenges on Oahu including high fishing intensity, diversion of officers to land-based law enforcement duties, and difficulty conducting nighttime marine patrols due to lack of equipment.

Takes effect January 1, 2050 (specific appropriation amounts not included in bill text).