SR 16 Hawaii Senate · 2026 Regular Session

REQUESTING THE DIVISION OF AQUATIC RESOURCES TO COLLABORATE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND STATE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL COMMISSION TO DEVELOP AND PROPOSE A FRAMEWORK FOR A STUDENT CORAL STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM.

This resolution requests Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources to collaborate with the Department of Education and State Public Charter School Commission to develop a student-led program focused on coral reef protection. The program would engage students in educating the public about reef-safe sunscreen choices (mineral-based alternatives) at state beaches, addressing barriers like cost and awareness. It specifies the initiative must be voluntary, non-enforcement, and based on scientific research, with student-led outreach and educational materials. The resolution also requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to submit a 2027 report to the Legislature detailing collaborative efforts and recommendations for advancing reef protection.

Issues: ✓ Environment

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

Apr 2026

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Feb 10, 2026 Last action May 12, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

SR16 → SR16_SD1 · 3 edits

MINOR

The bill was updated to specifically target the Division of Aquatic Resources instead of the general Department of Land and Natural Resources, ensuring the request for a student coral stewardship program comes from the agency with direct jurisdiction over marine environments. The scope of the requested action was broadened to include developing a 'framework' for the program, allowing for a more structured approach to implementation. Additionally, the list of officials receiving the final report was expanded to include the Administrator of the Division of Aquatic Resources, ensuring the specific division leading the effort is formally notified.

Scope change

The bill's scope was narrowed to a specific division within the Department of Land and Natural Resources (Division of Aquatic Resources) rather than the entire department, and the requested action was expanded to include creating a program framework.

SCOPE

The requesting agency was changed from the general Department of Land and Natural Resources to the specific Division of Aquatic Resources to ensure the request comes from the relevant marine authority.

REQUIREMENT

The request was updated to ask for the development of a 'framework' for the student coral stewardship program, implying a need for a structured plan rather than just the program itself.

The list of officials to receive the final report was updated to include the Administrator of the Division of Aquatic Resources.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 9, 2026

Upper · Passed

Report and Resolution Adopted, as amended (SD 1).

upper

Apr 8, 2026

Upper · Passed

Reported from WLA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3539) with recommendation of adoption, as amended (SD 1).

upper

Mar 30, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on WLA recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in WLA were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Lee, C., Inouye, Lamosao, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Chang.

upper

Mar 27, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on WLA has scheduled a public hearing on 03-30-26 1:00PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference.

upper

Feb 13, 2026

Committee

Referred to WLA.

upper

Feb 10, 2026

Introduced

Offered.