Requesting The Office Of Planning And Sustainable Development To Formulate And Implement Policies To Mitigate The Impacts Of Rising Sea Levels On The State's Coastline, Including Beaches.
The proposed resolution aims to foster state-level policies that address these pressing environmental issues comprehensively. Under SCR175, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development is charged with conducting a thorough study of how rising sea levels impact each county's coastlines and beach parks. The findings from this study are intended to inform the Legislature about necessary actions and potential legislative measures required to protect Hawaii's coastal regions, which are vital for both ecology and tourism.
SCR175 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to develop and implement policies aimed at mitigating the effects of rising sea levels on Hawaii's coastline, particularly its beaches. The resolution underscores the serious impact of climate change, which has led to accelerated sea-level rise and significant coastal erosion throughout the state. Specifically, it cites data indicating that sea levels around Hilo Bay have increased by ten inches since 1950, highlighting the urgency of the issue as coastal erosion continues to threaten seventy percent of Hawaii's beaches.
Although SCR175 shows a commitment to tackling an urgent issue, it may encounter questions regarding the implementation, jurisdiction, and funding for any resulting policies and studies. Stakeholders may debate the extent of state involvement versus local control in managing coastal resources and the adequacy of the proposed measures to address the significant risks posed by climate change. The resolution serves as a precursor to potential legislative proposals aimed at long-term sustainability and protection of Hawaii's beaches and coastal environments.