H.B. No. 593 Summary

• Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to establish temporary coastal construction moratoriums on any beach in the State meeting specified conditions to protect against erosion and sea-level rise.

• Requires DLNR to establish an interim coastal construction moratorium for Kailua Beach upon the Board of Land and Natural Resources finding that specified conditions are met.

• Expands authority beyond Kailua Beach to allow moratoriums on other unarmored, accreting beaches threatened by coastal erosion and future sea-level rise.

• Becomes effective July 1, 2009, with no sunset date, and includes a severability clause.

• Aims to preserve beaches for future generations, protect coastal ecosystems, conserve recreational uses of coastal resources, and minimize impacts of shoreline erosion and coastal hazards.