Relating To Shoreline Setbacks.
The proposed changes in SB723 outline specific calculations for determining the shoreline setback based on lot depth, resulting in increased setback requirements for different types of properties. For example, the bill establishes minimum setbacks of sixty feet for most lots, while lots with rocky shorelines are set at a minimum of forty feet. Additionally, properties with deeper average lot depths could see their setbacks extended further. This reflects a significant shift in how shoreline development will be managed, aiming to give priority to natural coastal processes and help mitigate long-term erosion impacts.
Senate Bill 723 proposes to amend existing laws relating to shoreline setbacks in the State of Hawaii. The bill addresses the increasing vulnerability of coastal properties to hazards such as erosion, tsunamis, and other natural disasters, which have become more pronounced due to climate change effects like sea level rise. The intent is to redefine the requirements concerning the minimum distances that structures can be built from shorelines in order to better protect both properties and the public from environmental risks.
The introduction of SB723 is expected to evoke discussions on various fronts, particularly concerns regarding property rights and local land use regulations. While proponents argue that the updated setbacks will enhance environmental protections and accommodate shifting shorelines, critics may raise issues about the economic implications for property owners and developers. The requirements for obtaining variances to allow for structures in the new setback zones may also lead to increased regulatory burdens, sparking debate about balancing development needs with environmental considerations.