STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1701

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1137

H.D. 2

S.D. 1

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 H.B. No. 1137, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, 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 amend the definition of "beach restoration" to expand the types of activities that the State recognizes as restorative and beneficial to beach lands.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; University of Hawaii System; City and County of Honolulu Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency; Association of Apartment Owners of Hololani; Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition; Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaii; Surfrider Foundation Hawaii Region; and Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District Association.

Your Committee finds that the sea level is expected to rise 3.9 to 5.9 feet in Hawaii by 2100, posing a severe threat to coastal communities and natural resources. Your Committee further finds that expanding the definition of "beach restoration" to include a broader range of activities will help preserve beaches and protect beaches from sea level rise.

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 H.B. No. 1137, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, 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