Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SB3364

Introduced
1/26/22  
Refer
1/28/22  
Report Pass
2/18/22  

Caption

Relating To Coastal Lands.

Impact

The bill mandates the Legislative Reference Bureau to conduct a detailed five-year study assessing the state coastal lands affected by sea level rise. The study will include various components such as a historical survey of private land tenure, a risk assessment for ownership challenges, and categorization of properties at risk. This will provide essential data to formulate policies that may involve returning affected lands to native Hawaiian entities, thereby addressing past grievances regarding land dispossession and enhancing community resilience against sea level rise.

Summary

SB3364, relating to coastal lands in Hawaii, aims to address significant challenges posed by impending sea level rise. The bill recognizes the need for comprehensive information regarding ownership and use of coastal lands, particularly as they relate to their status as stranded assets and contributions to the state's food security. It emphasizes the necessity for policy development grounded on historical land tenure practices and traditional uses of these lands before European contact, ensuring future generations can manage the impacts of climate change effectively.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB3364 appears largely supportive among environmental advocates and those concerned with indigenous rights. Supporters highlight the bill's proactive approach to mitigation strategies in the face of climate change. However, there may be contention concerning the implications of transferring lands to native Hawaiian entities, as it raises discussions about sovereignty and land rights. Some stakeholders may view this as an infringement on private ownership, reflecting a tension between traditional rights and modern land use policies.

Contention

A key point of contention is the potential legal challenges that may arise from attempts to redefine ownership of coastal lands as part of state efforts to mitigate sea level rise. The bill's focus on a historical analysis might reveal disparities in land ownership that could provoke pushback from current owners, particularly if results suggest significant policy shifts or restitution. This complexity underscores the broader narrative of reconciliation and restitution in Hawaii's approach to historical injustices faced by native Hawaiians.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

HI SB69

Relating To Coastal Zone Management.

HI HB770

Relating To Coastal Zone Management.

HI SB3300

Relating To Coastal Zone Management.

HI HB2180

Relating To Coastal Zone Management.

HI HB1787

Relating To Beach Protection And Coastal Access.

HI SB1032

Relating To Land Use.

HI HB756

Relating To Land Use.

HI SB1390

Relating To Climate Adaptation.

HI HB1092

Relating To Climate Adaptation.

HI SB2184

Relating To Adaptation Pathways Planning.

Similar Bills

HI SR196

Urging The Establishment Of A Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property Working Group To Discuss Policies And Legislation With Respect To Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property.

HI SCR191

Urging The Establishment Of A Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property Working Group To Discuss Policies And Legislation With Respect To Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property.

HI HR114

Urging The Establishment Of A Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property Working Group To Discuss Policies And Legislation With Respect To Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property.

HI HCR108

Urging The Establishment Of A Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property Working Group To Discuss Policies And Legislation With Respect To Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property.

HI SCR221

Urging The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands To Repeal, Revoke, Or Buy Out The Remainder Of The Lease Of The Prince Kuhio Plaza And Resell That Lease At Fair Market Value To A New Entity That Agrees To Properly Maintain The Property.

HI SR196

Urging The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands To Repeal, Revoke, Or Buy Out The Remainder Of The Lease Of The Prince Kuhio Plaza And Resell That Lease At Fair Market Value To A New Entity That Agrees To Properly Maintain The Property.

HI SCR11

Urging The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands To Notify Beneficiaries Through Beneficiary Consultation Prior To Disposing Of Hawaiian Home Lands And To Exercise Other Protections Of Beneficiary Interests.

HI SR9

Urging The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands To Notify Beneficiaries Through Beneficiary Consultation Prior To Disposing Of Hawaiian Home Lands And To Exercise Other Protections Of Beneficiary Interests.