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Bill

SB 178

RELATING TO SURFING.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Henry Aquino and 13 co-sponsors

Hawaii SB 178 addresses surfing-related policy and was referred to education and budget committees before being carried to the 2026 session.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
#appropriation($) #doe #surfing
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Bill Summary · SB 178

Legislative bill overview

SB 178 is a Hawaii bill related to surfing that was introduced in the 2025 legislative session. The bill has passed its first reading and was referred to the Education (EDU) and Ways and Means (WAM) committees before being carried over to the 2026 session. Without access to the bill's specific text, the exact provisions cannot be detailed, but the committee referrals suggest it may involve educational or budgetary components related to surfing.

Why is this important

Hawaii's surfing culture and industry have significant economic and cultural importance to the state. Legislation affecting surfing could impact tourism, beach access, environmental protection, or educational programs. The bill's referral to both education and budget committees indicates potential resource allocation or program development implications.

Potential points of contention

  • Beach access and public rights - Surfing bills often involve disputes between public access advocates and private property owners
  • Environmental and conservation concerns - Regulations around coastal management, marine ecosystems, or development in surfing areas
  • Funding and budget priorities - The WAM committee referral suggests fiscal questions about whether surfing programs justify state expenditure

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

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