HI HB2496

Amends coastal zone management guidelines to require consideration of coastal hazards including tsunamis, hurricanes, wind, storm waves, flooding, erosion, and sea-level rise when reviewing developments in special management areas.

Changes standard for environmental review from "substantial" to "significant" adverse effects and requires developments not impede public access to shoreline or beach areas.

Adds "wave damage" and "sea-level rise" as specific hazards developments must minimize through proper land form alterations and construction standards.

Revises variance provisions for shoreline-fixing structures to require that they be clearly in the public interest and not limit or severely reduce public access or public shoreline use.

Removes previous variance category allowing shoreline-fixing private facilities based solely on erosion hardship, replacing it with stricter public interest and access preservation requirements.