HI HB2395

Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources to issue permits for taking sand, dead coral, coral rubble, rocks, soil, or other marine deposits from state waters seaward of the shoreline for research, education, management, or propagation purposes.

Requires that materials taken under these permits be returned to the beach if possible and that the taking poses no more than a minimal or negligible risk to the environment.

Addresses a gap in existing law where the department receives permit requests for these purposes but currently lacks authority to approve them.

Amends Section 171-58.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, by adding a new exception to the general prohibition on mining or taking marine deposits.

Effective date set for July 1, 3000.