Bill Text: HI HB2201 | 2024 | Regular Session | Introduced

Hawaii House Bill 2201

Introduced

Bill Title: Relating To The Environment.

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-1)

Status: (Introduced) 2024-01-26 - Referred to WAL/EEP, JHA, referral sheet 3 [HB2201 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2024-HB2201-Introduced.html

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2201
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE ENVIRONMENT.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. Chapter 190D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§190D- Seabed mining; permits; prohibited. (a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, except as provided by this section, the removal of minerals from the seabed shall be prohibited in state marine waters.

(b) Subsection (a) shall not:

(1) Apply to the collection of sand from state marine waters to replenish beaches in the State; provided that prior approval from the board is obtained;

(2) Be construed to prohibit scientific research or collections conducted by, or on behalf of, an educational, scientific, or research institution or a governmental agency; or

(3) Be construed to diminish, alter, or amend any existing rights relating to traditional native Hawaiian cultural practices.

(c) No permit shall be issued for the mooring, docking, or operation of any vessel designed or intended for any purpose prohibited by this section.

(d) As used in this section, "minerals" means natural deposits of valuable minerals, including metals and placer deposits of metals, nonmetallic minerals, gemstones, ores, gold, silver, copper, lead, iron, manganese, silica, chrome, platinum, tungsten, zirconium, titanium, garnet, phosphorous, polymetallic nodules, and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts."

SECTION 2. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Environmental Protection; Deep Sea Mining; Permits; Prohibitions

Description:

Generally prohibits the removal of minerals from the seabed in all state marine waters. Prohibits the issuance of permits for the mooring, docking, or operation of any vessel designed or intended for removal of minerals from the seabed. Provides for exceptions relating to beach replenishment, research purposes, and native Hawaiian cultural practices.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.