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Bill

HB 360

RELATING TO OAHU CORAL REEF RESILIENCE ENHANCEMENT.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Ichiyama

HB 360 establishes Oahu coral reef resilience enhancement measures to protect ecosystems threatened by climate change and human impacts through coordinated conservation efforts.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
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Bill Summary · HB 360

Legislative bill overview

HB 360 establishes a framework to enhance the resilience and protection of Oahu's coral reef ecosystems through specified management practices and potentially coordinated conservation efforts. The bill was introduced in the 2025 Hawaii legislative session but was carried over to 2026, indicating it requires further development or deliberation before advancement.

Why is this important

Coral reefs provide critical ecosystem services including marine habitat, coastal protection from storms and erosion, and support for Hawaii's fishing and tourism economies. Oahu's reefs face multiple stressors including climate change, ocean acidification, sedimentation, and human impact, making targeted resilience efforts essential for both environmental and economic sustainability.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanisms: Unclear how the state will finance coral restoration and monitoring programs, and whether costs fall on general revenue, fees, or dedicated funding sources
  • Regulatory scope: Potential conflicts between conservation mandates and existing commercial activities (fishing, recreation, development) that may be restricted or regulated
  • Implementation authority: Questions about which agencies lead efforts, coordinate across jurisdictions, and enforce compliance with resilience standards

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

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