Researchers looking to make money off products derived from Hawaii's unique plants and wildlife would have to pay the state first under a new bill in the Legislature.

Researchers would need to apply for a permit and report any discoveries to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. If a company plans to use its discovery commercially, it would need to enter into a licensing agreement with the state.

Revenues from the licensing could then be used for conservation or, if the samples are taken from lands that belonged to the former Hawaiian Kingdom, placed in a special ceded-lands account.
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Annelle Amaral, president of Ahahui Siwila Hawaii O Kapolei, said she also would like to see a clearer role for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs in determining who receives permits and what happens to revenues.