Bill > SB2401

This bill establishes a framework for regional shoreline adaptation pathways planning to address the growing threats of coastal erosion and hazards in Hawaii, designating the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development (OPSD) to lead this effort. The OPSD will identify and plan for regional shoreline mitigation districts, which are coastal areas defined by natural sediment transport processes, and will coordinate with various state and county agencies, including the Department of Land and Natural Resources and county planning departments, as well as community stakeholders and shoreline property owners, to develop comprehensive shoreline adaptation pathways plans. These plans will analyze risks to public trust resources and private properties, assess erosion and sediment transport, and propose both short-term and long-term adaptation strategies, such as beach restoration, relocation, or retreat, considering social, cultural, environmental, and economic impacts, and will also explore financing options like special assessment districts or bonds. Once finalized, these plans will be submitted to the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) for approval, and the bill also integrates shoreline adaptation pathways planning as a policy within the state's coastal zone management program, making conforming amendments to existing laws to facilitate this process, and appropriates funds for its implementation, with a delayed effective date of January 1, 2065, for most provisions.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2401&year=2026