S.B. 499 Summary

• Requires that environmental assessments and environmental impact statements for major State or county infrastructure and construction projects on special management lands may include analysis of projected sea level rise impacts over the project's anticipated lifespan.

• Defines "major" projects as those with an estimated value of $3,000,000 or more.

• Mandates analysis use detailed, scientifically-based methodology based on the best available information.

• Directs the Office of Environmental Quality Control to work with the Hawaii coastal zone management program and relevant state agencies to provide guidance documents on ecological and environmental problems related to coastal zone development.

• Takes effect July 1, 2016.