Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR28

Introduced
3/10/26  
Refer
3/19/26  
Report Pass
4/8/26  

Caption

Requesting The Establishment Of A Marine Life Conservation District Carrying Capacity Study Task Force To Develop A Statewide Implementation Plan.

Impact

The resolution emphasizes the significance of conducting carrying capacity studies as a tool for science-based marine management. By prioritizing and sequencing these studies, the Task Force aims to build an interdisciplinary approach that incorporates input from various stakeholders, including government agencies, community groups, and commercial operators. This collaborative method is expected to not only improve oversight of marine conservation districts but also to develop adaptive management strategies based on ongoing data collection and monitoring.

Summary

Senate Resolution 28 (SR28) requests the establishment of a Marine Life Conservation District Carrying Capacity Study Task Force in the State of Hawaii. This initiative aims to develop a comprehensive statewide implementation plan for managing marine life conservation districts, which are critical for protecting marine ecosystems and supporting local cultural practices, recreation, and livelihoods. The Task Force will focus on understanding the human-use thresholds and ecological responses in these districts, highlighting the need for data-driven management to ensure long-term sustainability of marine resources.

Contention

SR28 acknowledges the increasing human activities affecting nearshore areas and aims to preemptively address potential ecological impacts through the establishment of the Task Force. Critics of similar initiatives may argue about the potential bureaucratic challenges and the need for frequent engagement with diverse stakeholders, which might complicate the task of establishing a unified management framework. However, the proponents emphasize that active collaboration and coordination among varied interest groups, as demonstrated by the pilot program in Pūpūkea, present a viable model for successful marine conservation efforts across Hawaii.

Companion Bills

HI SCR32

Same As Requesting The Establishment Of A Marine Life Conservation District Carrying Capacity Study Task Force To Develop A Statewide Implementation Plan.

Previously Filed As

HI SB841

Relating To Marine Life Conservation Districts.

HI SR134

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Adopt Rules Lifting The Moratorium On Fishing In The Lapakahi Marine Life Conservation District.

HI SCR165

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Adopt Rules Lifting The Moratorium On Fishing In The Lapakahi Marine Life Conservation District.

HI SB510

Relating To The Lapakahi Marine Life Conservation District.

HI SR44

Requesting The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement A Statewide Financial Literacy Curricula Plan For Public High School Students.

HI SR33

Requesting The Office Of Planning And Sustainable Development To Convene A Working Group To Evaluate The Establishment And Administrative Placement Of An Office Of Resilience And Recovery.

HI SR91

Requesting The Hawaii State Energy Office To Conduct A Study Evaluating The Feasibility Of Establishing A Green Bonds Program In The State.

HI SCR51

Requesting The Office Of Planning And Sustainable Development To Convene A Working Group To Evaluate The Establishment And Administrative Placement Of An Office Of Resilience And Recovery.

HI SCR66

Requesting The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement A Statewide Financial Literacy Curricula Plan For Public High School Students.

HI SR182

Requesting The Establishment Of An Intergovernmental Task Force To Eradicate Illegal Gambling And Drug Activities And To Establish Community Safe Zones.

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