The bill, introduced by Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, D-Hawai'i, also amends the 2000 law with a new community-based planning grant program to help areas develop coral protection schemes that are rooted in local tradition and culture.

Sens. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawai'i, and John Sununu, R-N.H., are co-sponsors of the bill.

Local communities would also have to come up with less money to attract federal dollars for coral programs under the measure, which would reduce the matching funds requirement from 50 percent to 25 percent.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration would be authorized under the legislation to lead emergency response efforts to prevent or address damage to coral reef, such as from ship that have run aground.

When there is no clear owner of a ship or the situation does not fall under laws as the National Marine Sanctuaries Act or the Oil Pollution Act, there is currently no public agency with express authority over ship groundings.

"In Hawaii, reef-related tourism and fishing activities generate $360 million each year for the state's economy, and the state estimates our reefs to be worth nearly $10 billion," Inouye said. "Our bill puts in place the necessary resources, measures and authorities to improve our coral conservation efforts over the next five years."

The legislation almost doubles the annual funding for coral reef conservation through NOAA to $30 million in fiscal year 2006 ending Sept. 30 and $35 million in fiscal years 2009-2012.