HI SCR32

Requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources to convene a Marine Life Conservation District Carrying Capacity Study Task Force to develop a statewide implementation framework for managing human use of Hawaii's marine conservation areas.

Task Force responsibilities include building an interdisciplinary planning framework, prioritizing which marine life conservation districts to study first, establishing study design standards and timelines, and identifying staffing and funding needs.

Task Force membership would include representatives from DLNR, county governments, University of Hawaiʻi, community marine stewardship organizations, commercial ocean recreation operators (scuba, snorkel, surf schools), and other stakeholders.

Builds on the successful Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District Carrying Capacity Pilot Program established by Act 31, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, as a model for statewide expansion.

Task Force must submit findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation with appropriations to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2027 Regular Session.