Bill > SB2344

This bill, known as the Hawaii Climate Adaptation Initiative Act, aims to address the significant threats posed by climate change to Hawaii's economy, environment, and way of life by establishing an interagency sea level rise vulnerability and adaptation committee under the department of land and natural resources. This committee will be responsible for creating a comprehensive report detailing sea level rise impacts across the state through 2050, incorporating scientific research, economic ramifications, and recommendations for adaptation. The bill also tasks the office of planning with developing and implementing strategic climate adaptation plans and policy recommendations, using the sea level rise report as a foundation to address other climate change impacts identified in a previous law (Act 286, Session Laws of Hawaii 2012). To support these efforts, the bill appropriates funds for staffing and resources for both the department of land and natural resources and the office of planning, recognizing Hawaii's unique vulnerability as an island state.