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HR 135

REQUESTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A WORKING GROUP TO STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF CREATING A HAWAII CULTURAL TRUST TO PRESERVE AND PROMOTE HAWAII'S CULTURAL RESOURCES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 8 co-sponsors

The Manatee Protection Act of 2025 enhances manatee conservation by designating critical habitats, enforcing speed limits, and funding public awareness and research initiatives.

Reported from CAA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1551) as amended in HD 1, recommending referral to FIN.
#culturalpreservation #hawaiiculturaltrust #study #workinggroup
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Bill Summary · HR 135

Summary of HR 135 - Manatee Protection Act of 2025

Purpose and Intent

The Manatee Protection Act of 2025 (HR 135) aims to enhance the conservation and protection of manatees, a vulnerable species in the United States. The bill seeks to address the threats faced by manatees, including habitat loss, water pollution, and boat strikes, by implementing stronger regulatory measures and promoting public awareness.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions designed to improve manatee protection:

  • Habitat Conservation: The legislation mandates the identification and designation of critical habitats for manatees, ensuring that these areas receive special protections against development and pollution.

  • Speed Limit Regulations: HR 135 proposes the establishment of designated slow-speed zones in areas frequented by manatees to reduce the risk of boat strikes. These zones would be enforced with penalties for violations.

  • Public Awareness Campaigns: The bill allocates funding for educational programs aimed at raising awareness about manatee conservation, safe boating practices, and the ecological importance of manatees.

  • Research and Monitoring: The legislation calls for increased funding for research on manatee populations, health, and habitat use, as well as the development of monitoring programs to track the effectiveness of conservation efforts.

Affected Parties

The Manatee Protection Act of 2025 will impact various stakeholders, including:

  • Conservation Organizations: Groups focused on wildlife conservation will benefit from increased funding and support for manatee protection initiatives.

  • Boaters and Marine Industry: The boating community will be affected by new regulations regarding speed limits and designated zones, which may require adjustments to boating practices.

  • Local Governments: Municipalities will need to collaborate with federal agencies to implement the habitat designations and enforce new regulations.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: January 03, 2025
  • Referred to Committee: The bill was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources on the same day it was introduced. Further discussions and potential amendments will take place in this committee before it can proceed to the House floor for a vote.

Conclusion

The Manatee Protection Act of 2025 represents a proactive approach to safeguarding manatees and their habitats. By implementing stricter regulations and promoting public education, the bill aims to ensure the survival of this iconic species for future generations. As the legislative process unfolds, stakeholders will have opportunities to engage with the bill and advocate for effective conservation measures.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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