New Laws Strengthen Environmental Protection

"While these bills increase penalties for violating our environmental laws, our broader goal is to encourage people to respect and protect our natural and cultural resources, and to make it their personal responsibility to be stewards of Hawai`i's precious environment," said Governor Lingle.

Laura Thielen, chair of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), shared the Governor's focus on protecting the state's natural resources.

"We know our state depends on the beauty of our natural resources for our economy and we want that to continue," she said. "It's part of our department's responsibility to ensure that the human activities protect these resources for this generation and future generations."

The first bill (HB3178 SD2 CD1) signed by the Governor doubles civil fines for trespassing on or engaging in prohibited use of public lands, which include forests and coastal areas that are owned by the State.

Ron Agor, Board of Land and Natural Resources member for Kaua`i and recipient of a ceremonial copy of HB3178, explained the measures will serve as a deterrent to keep the violators in line. "I'm glad it is going to be enforced," he added.

The second measure (HB3177 HD1 SD2 CD1) increases penalties and will protect resources in Conservation Districts, which include private lands within essential forests and watersheds.

The third bill (SB1891 SD1 HD1 CD1) allows DLNR to pursue criminal penalties and civil fines for violations against public lands.  The new law, Act 216, clarifies legislation that was passed in 2004 (Act 142) that gave DLNR the ability to impose civil penalties against those who damage or encroach on public lands.

"With these bills, you are able to really make a difference," said Tim Johns, BLNR board member and president/CEO, Bishop Museum.  "It makes me feel really good to know that we are putting more tools in [DLNR's] hands." 

• Watch this bill signing ceremony.
• Read the news release.