Bill > SB237

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for adaptation pathways planning to address sea level rise and coastal flooding risks in Hawaii. The legislation authorizes the state's land and natural resources department to develop regional-scale plans that outline strategies for modifying and potentially relocating vulnerable infrastructure and developments away from areas threatened by rising sea levels. Key provisions include defining "adaptation pathways" as a collection of measures like elevating structures, floodproofing, zoning changes, and relocation, and requiring plans to be developed cooperatively with state and county agencies. The plans must be regionally specific, considering factors like shoreline type, coastal processes, and erosion rates, and will include environmental and infrastructure damage triggers for implementing adaptation strategies. The bill mandates culturally-informed, community-engaged planning and requires alignment with existing climate adaptation and hazard mitigation plans. To support implementation, the bill appropriates $1,000,000 for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to initiate one regional sea level rise adaptation pathways plan per county, with locations selected based on the immediacy of coastal erosion and flooding threats, ownership demographics, and zoning classifications.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=237&year=2025