§205A-3.5  Public advisory body; establishment;composition.  (a)  There is established within the lead agency a publicadvisory body that shall provide support to the lead agency as set forth insubsection (f).

(b)  The public advisory body shall be composedof not more than twelve members who shall be appointed by the director of thelead agency for staggered terms of not more than three years.  These membersshall be selected with consideration given to the following criteria:

(1)  Statewide geographic distribution; and

(2)  Balanced representation from among the followinginterests:  business, environment, practitioners of native Hawaiian culture,terrestrial and marine commerce, recreation, research, and tourism.

The lead agency shall undertake widespreadsolicitation of applications from persons who are interested in serving on thepublic advisory body.

(c)  The public advisory body shall select itsown chair from among its members.

(d)  The public advisory body may establishworking groups as needed.  Working group members may include persons who arenot members of the public advisory body.

(e)  Public advisory body and working groupmembers shall serve without compensation.

(f)  The public advisory body shall support thelead agency by providing advice regarding marine and coastal zone managementplanning, coordination, and facilitation of functions of the coastal zonemanagement program.  It shall:

(1)  Evaluate the state coastal zone managementprogram, including activity of the network agencies, and make recommendationsfor improvements;

(2)  Advocatefor the program to the public and the executive and legislative branches ofgovernment; and

(3)  Advocate, provide for, and act upon citizeninput.

(g)  The public advisory body shall work towardthe implementation of an integrated and comprehensive management system formarine and coastal zone resources, consistent with the objectives and policiesestablished in this chapter. [L 1995, c 104, §3; am L 2001, c 169, §5]