Honoring Dr. Thomas Morrison.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Alexander and 50 co-sponsors

SCR 42 urges Hawaii's DLNR to prioritize restoring and protecting wetlands and anchialine pools, enhancing biodiversity, water quality, and community stewardship.

Returned to the Senate

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Bill Overview

Bill Number: SCR 42

Title: Urging the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife to Prioritize the Restoration and Protection of Additional Wetlands and Anchialine Pools

Status: Referred to WAL (Water and Land Committee), referral sheet 28

Introduced Date: March 06, 2025

Classification: Concurrent Resolution

Subject Areas: Anchialine Pools, Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Environmental Protections, Wetlands

Purpose and Intent

SCR 42 aims to emphasize the importance of restoring and protecting wetlands and anchialine pools in Hawaii. These ecosystems are vital for biodiversity, water quality, and flood control, and the resolution seeks to direct the DLNR's Division of Forestry and Wildlife to prioritize these areas in their conservation efforts.

Key Provisions

Restoration and Protection: The resolution urges the DLNR to focus on the restoration and protection of additional wetlands and anchialine pools, which are unique coastal ecosystems found in Hawaii.

Prioritization: It calls for the establishment of a framework or strategy to enhance the management and conservation of these critical habitats.

Collaboration: The resolution encourages collaboration with local communities, stakeholders, and environmental organizations to ensure effective conservation practices.

Impact

Environmental Benefits: The bill is expected to lead to improved ecological health of wetlands and anchialine pools, which serve as habitats for various species and help maintain water quality.

Community Engagement: By involving local communities and stakeholders, the resolution aims to foster a sense of stewardship and responsibility towards these natural resources.

Policy Direction: The resolution serves as a formal request to the DLNR, potentially influencing future funding and policy decisions related to wetland and anchialine pool conservation.

Legislative Actions and Timeline

March 06, 2025: SCR 42 was offered.

March 11, 2025: The bill was referred to the WTL (Water and Land Committee).

March 13, 2025: A public hearing was scheduled for March 17, 2025.

March 17, 2025: The WTL committee deferred the measure until March 21, 2025.

March 21, 2025: The WTL committee recommended that the measure be passed with amendments, with unanimous support.

March 31, 2025: The bill was reported from WTL and adopted in an amended form (SD 1).

April 01, 2025: The amended resolution was transmitted to the House.

April 04, 2025: The bill was referred to the WAL committee.

Related Legislation

Companion Bill: SR 27, which addresses similar issues regarding the protection of wetlands and anchialine pools.

This resolution represents a proactive step towards enhancing environmental conservation efforts in Hawaii, particularly focusing on the unique ecosystems that are crucial for the state's ecological balance.

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