HI HB1572

Establishes a Restorative Aquaculture Development Program under the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity with performance objectives due by June 30, 2030, including reducing permit processing time to 12-15 months, pursuing at least $10 million in federal grants, developing 25+ new restorative aquaculture operations, and creating 250+ direct jobs.

Requires restoration of at least 200 acres of coastal aquaculture habitat, water quality improvement in at least three embayments, and carbon sequestration of at least 2,500 tons of CO2 annually through seaweed cultivation by 2030.

Creates three pilot demonstration sites for restorative aquaculture with monitoring protocols for carbon sequestration, water quality, habitat provision, and community economic outcomes.

Convenes a Restorative Aquaculture Advisory Council with representatives from state agencies, county planning departments, University of Hawaii, commercial and small-scale aquaculture operators, and Native Hawaiian traditional practitioners to advise on project selection, funding allocation, and federal grant partnerships.

Appropriates unspecified general fund amounts for infrastructure development, workforce training, federal grant pursuit, pilot sites, and program administration, with 25% of infrastructure and workforce funds directed to Native Hawaiian traditional practices; sunsets June 30, 2030.