Amending Joint Rules of Senate and House of Delegates

2025 Regular Session

SCR 4 authorizes a 25-year easement for a shoreline protection structure in Kauai, enhancing coastal resilience and safeguarding local communities from erosion.

House Message received

# Summary of SCR 4: Shoreline Protection Structure Easement ## Bill Overview **Bill Number:** SCR 4 **Introduced:** February 17, 2025 **Status:** Received notice of Adoption (Sen. Com. No. 877) **Classification:** Concurrent Resolution **Subject:** Authorizing the issuance of a twenty-five-year term, non-exclusive easement covering a portion of state submerged lands at Kikiaola, Kekaha, Kauai, for a shoreline protection structure and for the use, repair, and maintenance of improvements constructed thereon. ## Purpose and Intent SCR 4 aims to authorize the issuance of a non-exclusive easement for a period of twenty-five years over state submerged lands located at Kikiaola, Kekaha, Kauai. The primary intent of this bill is to facilitate the construction, use, repair, and maintenance of a shoreline protection structure. This structure is intended to safeguard the coastal area from erosion and other environmental impacts. ## Key Provisions - **Easement Duration:** The easement will be granted for a term of twenty-five years. - **Non-Exclusive Use:** The easement is non-exclusive, meaning that other parties may also have rights to use the submerged lands, provided they do not interfere with the shoreline protection structure. - **Location:** The easement specifically covers a portion of state submerged lands at Kikiaola, Kekaha, Kauai. - **Purpose of the Structure:** The shoreline protection structure is designed to mitigate erosion and protect coastal infrastructure and ecosystems. ## Impact - **Affected Parties:** The bill primarily affects local government entities and organizations involved in coastal management and environmental protection in Kauai. It may also impact residents and businesses in the Kekaha area by providing enhanced protection against shoreline erosion. - **Environmental Considerations:** The establishment of a shoreline protection structure is expected to contribute positively to the local environment by preserving coastal habitats and reducing the risk of property damage from erosion. ## Procedural Timeline - **February 17, 2025:** Bill filed and read for the first time. - **March 4, 2025:** Returned by the Committee with a "Do Pass" recommendation. - **March 12, 2025:** Read a third time and ordered transmitted to the Senate. - **March 27, 2025:** Adopted in the Senate. - **April 24, 2025:** Final adoption of the resolution. - **March 18, 2025:** Approved by the Governor. ## Conclusion SCR 4 represents a legislative effort to enhance coastal resilience in Kauai through the establishment of a shoreline protection structure. By granting a long-term easement for this purpose, the bill aims to address environmental challenges while ensuring that local communities are better protected against the impacts of erosion.