H.B. 2468 - Beach Preservation Summary

• Establishes a Hawaii Beach Preservation Special Fund to acquire lands for beach preservation through managed retreat as sea levels rise and erosion threatens Hawaii's beaches, which have lost more than 17 miles in recent decades.

• Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources to expend moneys from the special fund to purchase lands from private owners for beach preservation and managed retreat, subject to prior legislative authorization by concurrent resolution.

• Creates a working group within the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to identify funding mechanisms for the special fund, including increased conveyance taxes on shoreline properties, real property taxes or surcharges, or other mechanisms, with recommendations due to the legislature by 20 days before the 2019 regular session.

• Establishes a three-year North Shore Oahu pilot program administered by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (through June 30, 2021) to investigate and recommend managed retreat options for beach preservation that could be replicated statewide.

• Appropriates funds for fiscal year 2018-2019 to the special fund and pilot program; takes effect July 1, 2050, with the pilot program provisions repealed June 30, 2021.