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HB 314

RELATING TO ADAPTATION PATHWAYS PLANNING.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Hashem

Hawaii bill establishes adaptation pathways planning framework requiring coordinated, flexible climate response strategies across state and local agencies with multiple future scenarios.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
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Bill Summary · HB 314

Legislative bill overview

HB 314 establishes an "adaptation pathways planning" framework for Hawaii to address climate change and other long-term environmental challenges. The bill likely requires state agencies and/or municipalities to develop coordinated strategies that outline multiple possible futures and response options as conditions change over time, rather than committing to single fixed solutions.

Why is this important

Hawaii faces exceptional climate vulnerabilities including sea-level rise, increased flooding, and drought, making long-term planning critical for infrastructure, agriculture, and coastal communities. Adaptation pathways planning allows jurisdictions to remain flexible and adjust strategies as climate science evolves and conditions worsen, potentially reducing costly maladaptation or infrastructure obsolescence.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs and timelines: Unclear whether the bill mandates funding or if agencies must absorb planning costs within existing budgets, potentially delaying other priorities
  • Authority and coordination: Questions about which agencies lead planning, how local governments coordinate with state-level efforts, and enforcement mechanisms if timelines aren't met
  • Specificity of pathways: The bill's level of detail on what constitutes acceptable "pathways" and measurable outcomes; vague standards could result in ineffective planning documents

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

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