HI SB521

Creates a plastic marine debris working group convened by the department of land and natural resources to develop recommendations for how counties should protect beaches and shorelines from plastic debris pollution.

Working group composition includes one designee from the board of land and natural resources (chair), one designee per county, representatives from NOAA Marine Debris Program, Surfrider Foundation, Sustainable Coastlines, and University of Hawaii water resources program.

Requires the working group to consult with NOAA, other coastal states, and non-profits on best practices and submit a report to the legislature no later than 20 days before the 2021 regular session.

Each county must submit a plan detailing how it will collect and transport plastic marine debris, estimate annual compliance costs, and coordinate with volunteer beach cleanup groups.

Appropriates $100,000 for fiscal year 2019-2020 and $100,000 for fiscal year 2020-2021 to the department of land and natural resources to administer the working group and potentially retain a facilitator.