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HCR 4

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 USE, REPAIR, AND MAINTENANCE OF THE IMPROVEMENTS CONSTRUCTED THEREON.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nadine Nakamura

Hawaii authorizes a 25-year easement on state submerged lands at Kekaha, Kauai to build and maintain a shoreline protection structure, addressing coastal erosion but raising environmental and long-term planning concerns.

This measure has been deleted from the meeting scheduled on Tuesday 03-25-25 9:40AM in conference room 411 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
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Bill Summary · HCR 4

Legislative bill overview

HCR 4 authorizes Hawaii to issue a 25-year easement on state submerged lands at Kikiaola, Kekaha, Kauai for construction and maintenance of a shoreline protection structure. The easement would be non-exclusive, allowing other uses of the submerged lands while the structure operates.

Why is this important

Shoreline erosion threatens coastal communities, infrastructure, and property in Hawaii. This bill provides a legal mechanism to protect the Kekaha shoreline while establishing terms for use of public underwater lands, potentially serving as a model for future coastal protection projects statewide.

Potential points of contention

  • Environmental impact: Submerged lands support marine ecosystems; the structure could affect habitat, water flow, and local fishing grounds
  • Public access and use: Non-exclusive easement language unclear on whether public water access/recreation rights are preserved or compromised
  • 25-year term limitations: Shoreline protection structures often require 50+ year lifespans; shorter term may create uncertainty for long-term coastal planning and maintenance responsibility gaps
  • Missing fiscal details: No bill text visible specifying who funds construction, maintenance, repairs, or liability allocation between state and permittee

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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