Bill > SB457

This bill addresses regulations for submerged public lands and lands beneath tidal waters in Hawaii, focusing on preventing unauthorized land reclamation and establishing strict guidelines for existing and future uses. The legislation introduces significant penalties for unauthorized land filling or construction on submerged lands, including daily fines of at least $500, potential injunctions, and mandatory removal of structures at the owner's expense. For presently reclaimed land, the Board of Land and Natural Resources can now dispose of the land to abutting owners through sale or lease, but only after meeting several stringent conditions, such as ensuring the reclamation does not prevent public shore access, does not significantly impact the environment, and the owner assumes all repair and maintenance costs. The bill also provides detailed requirements for leasing state submerged lands, including protecting water-dependent uses, preventing adverse shoreline sand movement, and ensuring lessees assume full liability and restoration responsibilities. The underlying motivation is to create a comprehensive approach to managing coastal lands in the face of sea-level rise, preventing piecemeal development that could damage shorelines and frustrate broader adaptation planning.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=457&year=2026