HI HB1049

Amends chapter 205A, Hawaii Revised Statutes to add "coastal hazards" definition including tsunami, hurricane, wind, storm wave, sea level rise, flood, erosion, volcanic activity, earthquake, landslide, subsidence, and pollution.

Clarifies what constitutes "development" and "not development" in special management areas (SMAs), including removing demolition from the development definition and establishing specific exemptions for agricultural uses, utility repairs, and certain subdivisions.

Improves the SMA permit system by adding a requirement for terms and conditions ensuring commencement and completion of development within specified periods, and changing permit value threshold terminology from "effects" to "impact."

Modifies shoreline setback requirements to allow setbacks based on average annual shoreline erosion or accretion rates, rather than limiting setbacks to the standard 20-40 feet from the shoreline.

Expands coastal hazard policies to address broader threats beyond specific hazards, emphasizing communication about coastal hazards and development control in hazard-prone areas.