Environment (Coastal & Flood Protection)

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 8, 2026

SB 2186: RELATING TO BLUE CARBON.

SB 2186 requires the state Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to create a statewide strategy for managing coastal ecosystems (like mangroves and seagrass) that absorb and store carbon - known as "blue carbon." This strategy must be developed and reported to the legislature, directly affecting the state agency responsible for planning and sustainability. The bill establishes a concrete mechanism for the state to formally address coastal carbon storage through a structured plan and legislative reporting. It does not change existing laws but mandates a new planning process focused on environmental management.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires statewide strategy for coastal ecosystems (mangroves/seagrass) that absorb carbon, establishing formal mechanism to manage blue carbon storage for environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation

Track

passed · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 379: RELATING TO THE ENVIRONMENT.

Requires newly installed or modified individual wastewater systems that are near the shoreline to include denitrification capacity. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires denitrification in shoreline wastewater systems to reduce nitrogen pollution, directly strengthening nearshore water protection per environmental indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

Track

in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 12, 2026

HB 2205: RELATING TO EMERGENCY EROSION MITIGATION.

Replaces the current statutory prohibition on private shoreline hardening with a policy directing the minimization of these structures. Establishes a clear, time-limited statutory framework for emergency permits within the conservation district, including defined standards for permit duration and extension.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill minimizes shoreline hardening structures, promoting natural erosion control and coastal ecosystem protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Water Quality

Track

signed · Hawaii · House May 29, 2026

HB 2395: RELATING TO THE TAKING OF MARINE DEPOSITS.

Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources to issue permits for research, education, management, or propagation purposes that include the taking of marine deposits seaward of the shoreline, as long as the resources will be returned to the beach if possible and that the taking poses no more than a minimal or negligible risk to the environment. (CD1)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires returning marine deposits and posing no environmental risk, ensuring protection of coastal resources through permit conditions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 21, 2026

SB 1598: RELATING TO ADAPTATION PATHWAYS PLANNING.

Requires the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to develop adaptation pathways plans to modify and relocate development and associated infrastructure away from critically vulnerable areas to locations outside of sea level rise and coastal flooding exposure area. Appropriates funds.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates climate adaptation planning for sea-level rise vulnerable areas with funding, directly protecting coastal environments and infrastructure from climate impacts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Coastal & Flood Protection

Track

passed · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 1267: RELATING TO CLIMATE CHANGE.

Transfers the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission from the Department of Land and Natural Resources to the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development for administrative purposes. Removes the manager of the Coastal Zone Management Program from the Commission. Adds a representative from the University of Hawaii to the Commission. Effective 1/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentTransfers climate commission to sustainable development office, adds UH rep, enhancing climate policy coordination without weakening protections.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Coastal & Flood Protection

Track

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 26, 2026

SB 2207: RELATING TO BLUE CARBON.

SB 2207 requires the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to create a Statewide Blue Carbon Strategy focused on coastal ecosystems (like mangroves and seagrasses) that store carbon. The bill mandates this office to develop the strategy and submit a report to the Legislature detailing its findings and recommendations. This bill directly affects state agencies responsible for environmental planning and coastal resource management by establishing a formal process for addressing blue carbon in policy. It does not create new regulations but sets a procedural framework for future state action on coastal carbon storage.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates creation of Statewide Blue Carbon Strategy to protect carbon-storing coastal ecosystems (mangroves/seagrasses), directly advancing climate mitigation and environmental conservation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

Track

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 28, 2026

SB 2483: RELATING TO THE ENVIRONMENT.

Establishes an executive committee and amends the membership and duties of the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission (Commission). Requires each member agency of the Commission to implement its own actions to address certain strategies and goals established by the Commission. Establishes reporting and review requirements for member agencies relating to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts and clean economy targets. Updates reporting requirements for the Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Adaptation reports. Allows the Commission to enter into certain procurement contracts. Updates the zero emissions clean economy target.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes zero emissions clean economy targets and mandates agency actions for climate mitigation, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure and clean economy goals.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates climate mitigation/adaptation actions, clean economy targets, and reporting for member agencies to strengthen environmental protection efforts per bill's core requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Coastal & Flood Protection

Track

in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 10, 2026

HB 2245: RELATING TO THE ENVIRONMENT.

Beginning 7/1/2027, requires newly installed or modified individual wastewater systems that are near the shoreline or on highly porous soils to include denitrification capacity. Requires the Department of Health to reduce requirements for disposal systems connected to wastewater systems with denitrification capacity. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates denitrification in wastewater systems near shorelines to reduce nitrogen pollution in nearshore waters, directly strengthening water quality protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Water Quality

Track

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 28, 2026

SB 2490: RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

SB 2490 prohibits the manufacture and sale of surfboard wax containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are environmentally persistent chemicals. It directly affects surfboard wax manufacturers and retailers within the state. The bill's key provision bans these specific chemicals in surfboard wax products, aiming to reduce environmental contamination. This policy change targets a common source of PFAS pollution in coastal areas without restricting other uses of the chemicals.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans PFAS in surfboard wax to reduce coastal pollution, directly protecting environment from persistent chemicals per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Drinking Water Recycling

Track