Hawaii House Bill HB1478

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 1/30/23

Caption

Relating To Coastal Zone Management.

Impact

This bill is expected to streamline regulatory processes by clarifying which activities are exempt from the definition of development. This includes the installation of pedestrian and bicycle facilities, maintenance of utilities, and management of invasive vegetation. By allowing more exceptions, HB1478 aims to foster local development initiatives and improve public infrastructure in coastal areas while ensuring these exceptions do not lead to significant ecological harm.

Summary

House Bill 1478 focuses on amending the definition of 'development' under the Hawaii Revised Statutes relating to coastal zone management. The bill seeks to introduce additional exceptions for what constitutes development within a special management area, which is crucial for land use planning and environmental protection. Specifically, the amendments aim to delineate activities that do not require stringent regulatory oversight, thereby promoting certain uses while still acknowledging environmental concerns in the coastal zone.

Contention

While supporters argue that the bill encourages local development and infrastructure improvements, critics raise concerns about potential environmental impacts. The expansion of exceptions may lead to increased development in sensitive coastal areas, which could affect marine ecosystems and shoreline integrity. The bill will need to balance development needs with environmental preservation, ensuring that the amendments do not compromise the ecological health of Hawaii's coastal regions.