RELATING TO THE CENTER FOR CLIMATE RESILIENT DEVELOPMENT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 4 co-sponsors

SB 657 establishes the Center for Climate Resilient Development in Hawaii to enhance climate research, education, and community engagement for better resilience against climate impacts.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.

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Purpose and Intent

SB 657 aims to establish the Center for Climate Resilient Development within the University of Hawaii's School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST). The primary goal of this legislation is to enhance the state's capacity to address climate change impacts through research, education, and community engagement. The center will focus on developing strategies that promote resilience against climate-related challenges.

Key Provisions

Establishment of the Center: The bill formally establishes the Center for Climate Resilient Development, which will serve as a hub for climate research and policy development.

Funding Appropriation: The bill includes provisions for the appropriation of funds necessary for the center's operations and initiatives. Specific dollar amounts are not detailed in the provided information, but funding is crucial for the center's establishment and sustainability.

Collaboration with SOEST: The center will work closely with the University of Hawaii's SOEST, leveraging academic resources and expertise to inform climate resilience strategies.

Focus Areas: The center will prioritize research on climate adaptation, mitigation strategies, and community outreach to ensure that local populations are informed and prepared for climate impacts.

Affected Parties

University of Hawaii: The establishment of the center will directly involve the University of Hawaii, particularly the SOEST, which will host and manage the center.

Local Communities: Residents of Hawaii will benefit from the center's initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and preparedness for climate change impacts.

Policymakers: State and local government officials will have access to research and recommendations from the center, aiding in the formulation of effective climate policies.

Procedural Timeline

Introduced: January 17, 2025

First Reading: January 17, 2025

Committee Hearings: The bill has undergone multiple committee reviews, including discussions in the House and Senate, with recommendations for amendments and passage.

Recent Actions:

The bill is currently in the conference committee stage, with meetings scheduled for April 21 and April 25, 2025, to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions.
The Senate has disagreed with House amendments, necessitating further discussions.

Conclusion

SB 657 represents a significant step towards enhancing Hawaii's resilience to climate change through the establishment of a dedicated research and development center. By focusing on collaboration, education, and community engagement, the center aims to equip the state with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively address climate challenges. The ongoing legislative process will determine the final structure and funding of the center, with further discussions scheduled in the coming weeks.

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