Relating To Climate Adaptation.
If enacted, SB1390 would amend Chapter 171 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to establish mechanisms for voluntary relocation. This includes setting up a special fund, termed the 'sea level rise voluntary relocation fund,' which would provide financial resources for implementing these relocation efforts. The bill outlines roles for state and county agencies in identifying vulnerable areas and potential receiving sites, which would aid in streamlining the relocation process for residents and organizations most affected by coastal hazards.
SB1390, titled 'Relating to Climate Adaptation', aims to address the profound impacts of climate change in Hawaii, particularly regarding rising sea levels and coastal erosion. The bill proposes a managed retreat approach as a formal policy to facilitate the voluntary relocation of residential development and public infrastructure from areas critically threatened by coastal hazards. By doing so, the bill seeks to reduce vulnerability and safeguard life and property while preserving environments of significant cultural and ecological value.
While the bill provides a structured method for responding to the challenges posed by climate change, potential points of contention may arise regarding the impact on local communities, property owners, and governmental authority. Critics might argue about the implications of forced relocations, financial burdening on the state budget, and prioritization of natural landscape restoration over economic development. Furthermore, there may be discussions surrounding the adequacy of funding and resource allocation to ensure that relocation efforts are both fair and effective.