SB2016

SECTION 1. (a) The global warming task force is established within the department of health for administrative purposes only to:

(1) Assess the current and potential impacts of climate warming trends on the citizens, natural resources, and the economy of the State, including impacts on:

(A) The visitor industry;

(B) Intrastate and interstate air and sea transportation of cargo and persons;

(D) Population health;

(2) Assess the potential impacts of rising ocean levels as a result of climate change on the citizens, natural resources, and the economy of the State, including impacts on:

(A) The visitor industry;

(B) Shoreline erosion;

(D) Existing buildings and public utilities infrastructure; and

(E) Population health;

(3) Estimate the costs to the State and its citizens of adverse effects associated with climate warming and rising sea levels; and

(4) Make recommendations to the legislature and the governor on measures that would address or mitigate the near and long term effects of climate change, including:

(A) Preventing shoreline erosion;

(B) Preserving the visitor industry;

(D) Implementing restrictions on construction in affected areas;

(E) Improving or hardening utilities infrastructure; and

(F) Preparing for health emergencies.

(b) The global warming task force shall consist of twenty-nine members, as follows:

(1) The governor or governor's designee;

(2) Two members of the house of representatives, to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;

(3) Two members of the senate, to be appointed by the president of the senate;

(4) The directors or their designees of the following state entities:

(A) Department of health;

(B) Department of business, economic development, and tourism;

(D) Department of agriculture; and

(E) Department of land and natural resources;

(5) The adjutant general or the adjutant general's designee;

(6) The chairperson of the public utilities commission or the chairperson's designee;

(7) One member from each county to be appointed by the mayor of that county;

(8) One member from the University of Hawaii with expertise in geophysics or climatology, appointed by the governor;

(9) One member from the University of Hawaii with expertise in environmental engineering, appointed by the governor;

(10) One member from the Hawaii Tourism Authority;

(11) One member from the Waikiki Improvement Association;

(12) One member from each branch of the United States armed services and the Coast Guard;

(13) One member from the United States Army Corps of Engineers; and

(14) Three members selected to represent the interests of affected ocean user groups such as watermen, fishermen, and surfers, to be appointed by the governor.

Members of the task force shall serve without compensation, be reimbursed for expenses necessary for the performance of their duties, and be exempt from the requirements of section 26‑34, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

(1) Select a chairperson, collect information, research reports and expert opinion, and conduct hearings throughout the State to fulfill the purpose of this Act;

(2) Submit a preliminary report of its findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation, if any, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2009; and

(3) Submit a final report of its findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation, if any, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2010.

(d) The task force shall cease to exist on June 30, 2010.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009 to carry out the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval; provided that sections 2 and 3 shall take effect on July 1, 2008.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2016
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
STATE OF HAWAII