Authorizing The Issuance Of A Term, Non-exclusive Easement Covering A Portion Of State Submerged Lands Seaward Of Tax Map Key: (2) 4-3-010:009 At Kahana, Lahaina, Maui, For The Removal Of Existing Emergency Sandbags And Construction, Use, Repair, And Maintenance Of A Rock Revetment.
The passage of SCR47 would significantly influence state regulatory frameworks concerning shoreline protection measures. By authorizing the easement, the state would be enabling a proactive solution to shoreline erosion, complementing previous emergency measures taken by the resort. The replacement of sandbags with a more permanent rock revetment is expected to enhance the structural integrity of the beachfront while also providing improved public access to the shoreline.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 47 (SCR47) addresses the issuance of a term, non-exclusive easement covering a portion of state submerged lands located at Kahana, Lahaina, Maui. The bill is primarily aimed at facilitating the removal of existing emergency sandbags and allowing for the construction, use, maintenance, and repair of a long-permitted rock revetment by Hololani Resort Condominiums. This easement is crucial to complete a project intended to mitigate shoreline erosion that has previously threatened the resort property due to significant ecological events.
While SCR47 aims to provide a sustainable solution for the Hololani Resort Condominiums, it has generated discussion around the implications for state submerged lands and local shoreline management. Critics may express concerns regarding the environmental impacts of constructing hard defenses along the coast versus preserving natural erosional processes. Local stakeholders could have differing views on the balance between development and ecological preservation, focusing on the project’s long-term ecological footprint.
Historically, the proposal for the easement has navigated various complexities, including prior legal settlements, extensive public review processes, and legislative attempts to secure needed approvals. Notably, previous efforts in the House were unsuccessful, which has intensified the need for clarity and action on this front. The bill also aligns with recent legislative frameworks that guide coastal management and address the need for durable solutions to increasingly frequent climatic challenges.