Hawaii Senate Bill SB1032

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/23
• Refer: 1/27/23

Caption

Relating To Land Use.

Impact

This legislation establishes the Sea Level Rise Relocation Special Fund, which will be utilized to facilitate the planning and execution of relocation projects. The fund will not only receive legislative appropriations but also donations and grants from various sources. Furthermore, the bill mandates the maintenance of an inventory of public lands that are suitable for such relocations, ensuring that these lands are identified and prioritized for future development projects that aim to reduce vulnerability to climate-related hazards.

Summary

Senate Bill 1032 aims to address the challenges posed by climate change, specifically sea level rise, by implementing a managed retreat strategy in Hawaii. The bill defines managed retreat as the process of relocating developments away from coastal areas that are critically threatened by erosion and flooding due to rising sea levels. It establishes guidelines for the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to prepare and implement a program for voluntary relocation of residential development from at-risk areas to locations with lower exposure risk. In doing so, it emphasizes the importance of safeguarding both human communities and valuable natural resources.

Contention

Notably, the bill may raise debates concerning the implications of transferring development rights and conducting land exchanges. Proponents argue that these mechanisms will provide necessary flexibility to adapt to the realities of climate change, while opponents may express concerns about the effectiveness and fairness of such relocations and the potential displacement of communities. The legislative discussions surrounding SB1032 are expected to focus on balancing environmental sustainability with economic growth and local needs.