SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the enhancement and maintenance of sustainable public hunting opportunities for subsistence and recreational purposes are of critical importance to the State and its people. A coordinated resource management effort involving stakeholders is needed to prevent and offset the loss, destruction, or degradation of public hunting areas on any island of the State and expeditiously find replacement land for hunting.

The purpose of this Act is to establish a game commission to serve in an advisory capacity to the governor and the board of land and natural resources.

SECTION 2. Chapter 183D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§183D- Game commission. (a) There is established within the department a game commission, which shall serve in an advisory capacity to the governor and the board. The game commission shall consist of nine members to be appointed by the governor in the manner provided in section 26-34. Membership on the game commission shall include one member representing each county and five members at-large; provided that:

(1) Each member shall demonstrate strong interest in the preservation, protection, and promotion of public hunting in Hawaii and shall have knowledge, experience, and expertise in hunting;

(2) At least one member shall have knowledge, experience, and expertise in the area of native Hawaiian cultural practices;

(3) At least one member shall have expertise in tourism; and

(4) No more than three members shall represent, be employed by, or be under contract to any sector of government.

(b) The game commission shall select its own chairperson from among its members. The members shall receive no compensation for their services on the game commission but shall be entitled to reimbursement for necessary expenses, including travel expenses, while attending meetings and while in the discharge of their duties.

(c) The game commission may establish policies and criteria regarding the management, protection, and promotion of public hunting in Hawaii and may adjust existing department policies and procedures relating to hunting, particularly regarding chapter 183D and chapters 13-122, 13-123, and 13-124, Hawaii Administrative Rules.

(d) The game commission shall:

(1) Consult and advise the governor and the board on any matter affecting hunting, including proposed rules and regulations;

(2) Evaluate and approve a five-year game management plan and any changes to the plan as necessary;

(3) Establish criteria to be used in determining whether an area is suitable for hunting;

(4) Conduct studies of areas for sustainable yield game production or enhancement;

(5) Recommend to the governor and the board areas suitable for game production or enhancement;

(6) Establish policies and criteria regarding the management, protection, and permitted uses of areas that are used for hunting;

(7) Advise the governor and the board on any matter relating to the conservation and sustainability of Hawaii's unique game and non-game resources;

(8) Develop ways and means to extend and strengthen game management areas, other designated hunting areas, and mixed-use areas with the State;

(9) Advise the board and other public agencies that manage state-owned land or natural resources regarding areas under their respective jurisdictions that may be appropriate for hunting and game production;

(10) In carrying out its duties, consult the most comprehensive up-to-date compilation of scientific data;

(11) Make recommendations relating to the process of hunting rules modification;

(12) Collaborate with the board on the use and allocation of the wildlife revolving fund.

(13) Collaborate with agencies and persons who gather information and implement hunting programs and data; and

(14) Take testimony and acquire information as it desires and communicate its findings and recommendations to the board.

(e) Any action taken by the game commission shall be by a simple majority of its members. Five members shall constitute a quorum.

(f) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the game commission shall be subject to sections 26-34, 26-35, 26-35.5, and 26-36.

(g) The department shall provide administrative support to the game commission. Federal moneys and other moneys that become available to the department may be used to off-set administrative costs incurred by the department.

(h) The game commission shall submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2016, and each regular session thereafter, on its efforts to comply with this section, including a summary of its activities during the year preceding the regular session for which the report was prepared.

(i) The game commission may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to implement this section."

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2015-2016 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 for the establishment of a game commission pursuant to this Act.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2015.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	1224
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015
STATE OF HAWAII