Requires that shoreline setbacks be established at a distance inland from the shoreline equal to 50 times the annual erosion rate for the area, based on historic aerial photographs or the shoreline setback line established by the county, whichever is greater. Bans the construction of new seawalls and groins except where variances allowed for DOT. (HB795 HD1)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. Section 205A-43, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

"(a) Setbacks along shorelines are established [of not less than twenty feet and not more than forty feet] at a distance inland from the shoreline[.] equal to fifty times the annual erosion rate for the area, based upon historic aerial photographs or the shoreline setback line established by the county, whichever is greater. The department shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91, and shall enforce the shoreline setbacks and rules pertaining thereto. Shoreline setbacks for the purposes of the department of transportation and public utilities regulated under chapter 269 shall not be subject to this subsection."

SECTION 2. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.