STAND. COM. REP. NO. 948

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 1456

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 1456 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO RESTORATION OF BEACH LANDS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to expand the types of activities the State recognizes as restorative and beneficial to beach lands.

Specifically, the measure amends the definition of the term "beach restoration," as used in applicable statutory law relating to the restoration of beach lands, to mean activity undertaken to:

(1) Maintain and improve beaches and dune systems through management of sand and native dune vegetation;

(2) Place sand on an eroded beach from an approved outside or adjacent source, with or without stabilizing structures; or

(3) Remove abandoned remnant materials from beaches and dunes that pose a risk to public health and coastal ecosystems.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the University of Hawaii System, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District Association, Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaii, Free Access Coalition, and numerous individuals.

Your Committee recognizes the dire threat that sea level rise poses to the State's coastal communities, coastal ecosystems, natural resources, and beaches. Your Committee believes that this measure appropriately revises applicable law to help ensure the continued care of the State's beaches in the face of this threat.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1456 and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair