HI HB1553

Amends Hawaii's habitat conservation plan requirements to mandate that all plans include an annual service contract with a stand-by and response facility for emergency medical and rehabilitation services for native wildlife affected by activities within the plan area.

Requires existing habitat conservation plans that lack emergency wildlife medical services agreements to be amended to include such provisions.

Habitat conservation plans require approval by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Land and Natural Resources after public hearing and department recommendation.

Plans must demonstrate they will increase the likelihood of recovery for endangered or threatened species and be based on the best available scientific data.

Effective date set as July 1, 3000 (placeholder date indicating the legislature intends to determine the actual effective date later).