HI HB1512

Requires the lieutenant governor to coordinate public and private sector resources and develop a strategic plan for directing statewide growth that accounts for a predicted sea level rise of one foot above current levels by 2050 and resultant climate change.

Amends Section 26-1 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes by adding new subsection (h) establishing this sea level rise planning responsibility as an official duty of the lieutenant governor's office.

Legislature findings indicate that Hawaii has experienced warming, decreased rainfall and streamflow, ocean acidification, increased ocean temperature, and rising sea levels at approximately 0.06 inches per decade over the past century.

Bill notes that thirteen states including California and Washington have already passed similar legislation requiring sea level rise considerations in development planning, and the University of Hawaii's Center for Island Climate Adaptation and Policy has recommended such benchmarking.

Legislation takes effect upon approval by the governor.