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HCR 122

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO ESTABLISH A COLLABORATIVE WORKING GROUP TO SURVEY, IDENTIFY, AND MONITOR CULTURALLY SENSITIVE SHORELINES IMPACTED BY EROSION.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Darius Kila

Hawaii requests DLNR form a collaborative working group to survey, identify, and monitor culturally sensitive shorelines threatened by erosion to protect Native Hawaiian sites.

Report and Resolution Adopted. Transmitted to House.
#departmentoflandandnaturalresources #erosion #shorelines #workinggroup
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Bill Summary · HCR 122

Legislative bill overview

HCR 122 is a Hawaii resolution requesting the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to establish a collaborative working group tasked with surveying, identifying, and monitoring culturally sensitive shorelines experiencing erosion. The resolution has already been adopted in final form as of April 17, 2025, making it a non-binding request rather than mandatory legislation.

Why is this important

Hawaii's coastlines face accelerating erosion due to climate change, development, and natural processes—threatening both Native Hawaiian cultural sites and modern communities. Many culturally significant areas, including burial grounds, fishponds, and sacred locations, face imminent loss if erosion is not addressed comprehensively. This resolution establishes a framework for data collection and monitoring that could inform future protective policies and resource allocation.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding and resources: The resolution requests action but does not allocate specific funding, leaving DLNR to absorb costs or seek additional appropriations, which may affect other department priorities.
  • Definition and prioritization: "Culturally sensitive" shorelines lack precise legal definition, potentially creating disagreements over which sites qualify for inclusion and how limited resources should be prioritized.
  • Implementation timeline and accountability: As a non-binding resolution, there are no enforcement mechanisms or required timelines, meaning DLNR could deprioritize the working group or move slowly without legislative consequences.

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

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