Bill > HB314

This bill requires the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to develop comprehensive adaptation pathways plans to help communities proactively manage the risks of sea level rise and coastal flooding. The plans will focus on identifying vulnerable coastal areas and creating strategic, phased approaches to modify or relocate development and infrastructure away from high-risk zones. The commission must develop a framework for these plans by the end of 2026 and complete at least one regional plan for each county by 2030, with the goal of protecting critical natural resources, public infrastructure, and community assets. The planning process will be collaborative, involving multiple state and county agencies, and will require community engagement to determine appropriate adaptation actions. Key components include identifying specific adaptation triggers that will initiate different responses like flood-proofing, building elevation, zoning changes, or eventual relocation, and ensuring that these plans align with existing climate adaptation and hazard mitigation strategies. The bill also appropriates funding for the commission to develop these plans and provides definitions for key terms like "adaptation measure," "adaptation pathway," and "adaptation trigger" to clarify the legislative intent and implementation approach.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=314&year=2026