Bill > SB830

This bill modifies Hawaii's Coastal Zone Management law by updating the definition of "development" to add a new exception for reconstructing certain lawfully constructed structures. Specifically, the bill allows reconstruction of a structure that is substantially similar to its original design and was damaged or destroyed during a disaster officially proclaimed by a governor or mayor as a state of emergency, and also declared a disaster under federal law. Importantly, this reconstruction exception does not apply to structures damaged by coastal hazards such as waves, storm surge, high tides, flooding, erosion, sea level rise, or subsidence. The bill maintains the existing comprehensive list of activities that are not considered "development" under coastal zone management regulations, such as building small single-family homes, routine maintenance, agricultural activities, and utility repairs. The legislation includes a provision that if the relevant authority determines an excluded activity might have significant environmental or ecological impacts, it can still be classified as "development" subject to coastal zone management regulations. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, and does not affect rights, penalties, or proceedings that occurred before its effective date.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=830&year=2025