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Bill

SB 2186

RELATING TO BLUE CARBON.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 4 co-sponsors

Hawaii bill establishes blue carbon framework to measure and incentivize coastal ecosystem carbon sequestration for climate mitigation and coastal resilience.

The committee(s) on WLA has scheduled a public hearing on 02-09-26 1:00PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference.
#coastalzonemanagementprogram #opsd #report #statewidebluecarbonstrategy
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Bill Summary · SB 2186

Legislative bill overview

SB 2186 addresses blue carbon—carbon sequestered by coastal and marine ecosystems like mangroves, seagrass beds, and salt marshes. The bill, currently in committee hearing phase, appears designed to establish Hawaii's framework for recognizing, measuring, or incentivizing blue carbon conservation and potentially integrating it into climate or environmental policy.

Why is this important

Blue carbon ecosystems provide dual benefits: they sequester atmospheric carbon (addressing climate change) while simultaneously protecting coastlines from erosion and storm surge—critical for a low-lying island state like Hawaii facing rising sea levels. Establishing a blue carbon policy could unlock federal funding, create economic incentives for habitat restoration, and position Hawaii as a leader in nature-based climate solutions.

Potential points of contention

  • Measurement and verification standards: Establishing credible methods to quantify blue carbon sequestration is technically complex; disagreement may arise over which methodologies to use and who monitors compliance
  • Private property vs. public interest: If the bill incentivizes private landowners to preserve or restore blue carbon habitats, conflicts may emerge over land use restrictions, compensation levels, and property rights
  • Economic tradeoffs: Coastal development interests may resist habitat protections that limit commercial or residential projects, particularly in economically stressed communities reliant on tourism or construction

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

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