§190D-2  Findings and purpose.  ArticleXI of the constitution of the State of Hawaii relating to the conservation,control, and development of resources, provides in section 6 that the Stateshall have the power to manage and control the marine, seabed, and otherresources located within the boundaries of the State, including itsarchipelagic waters, and reserves to the State all such rights outside stateboundaries not specifically limited by federal or international law.

The legislature finds that the State's marinewaters offer the people of Hawaii sources of energy, minerals, food, and usablespace.  The legislature further finds that the proper management anddevelopment of these ocean resources require defined rights of usage andtenure.

The purpose of this chapter is to establishprocedures for the leasing of state marine waters and to guarantee propertyrights and protection for any activities approved under these procedures. [L1986, c 91, pt of §1; am L 1999, c 176, §§2, 11; am L 2002, c 203, §1]