Strong support for Senate Version of SB 468 -- Sea Level Rise Setbacks Bill

18 people have submitted testimony for this bill so far.

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Strong support for

Name of Bill

Senate Version of SB 468 -- Sea Level Rise Setbacks Bill

Category

Environmental Protection

Description of Bill

SB 468 -- as passed by the Senate -- took concrete strides in attempting to address sea level rise and coastal erosion. The Senate version required the counties to adopt a parcel-by-parcel setback standard based on the historic erosion rate. Our current statewide setback—minimum of 20 feet—is outdated and dangerous. Unfortunately, the House version moves in the opposite direction. It takes out the mandatory language proposed by the Senate and eliminates the current twenty-foot shoreline setback in Waikiki. It seems that Waikiki hotels want to make it easier to construct new development close to the shoreline without having to apply for a variance and go through a public hearing process. Do we really want to encourage development closer to the shoreline, particularly with what we know about sea level rise?

Hearing

Friday, April 24, 2009 02:30 PM

Sample Talking Points

1.• I am greatly concerned about SB 468 (SD1, HD2), which eliminates the shoreline setback in Waikiki.

2. • We know global climate change is creating an exponential rise in sea level, so we need to start planning for coastal erosion now.

3. • We should have a scientific-based minimum setback of 40 feet plus the historical erosion rate of that particular area -- the language the Senate approved.

4.• Let’s stop developing new homes and buildings where we know shoreline erosion will occur.

5.• Under no circumstance should we eliminate the current shoreline setback, which is already too lax. Let’s be smart about our future and preserve the beaches and coastline for our keiki.

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