HI HB1482

Proposes constitutional amendments to establish state management and preservation of Hawaii's beaches in perpetuity as protected state resources for public benefit.

Adds new "Beaches" section to Article XI of Hawaii Constitution authorizing the State to manage beaches statewide subject to legislature-established policies and criteria ensuring public beach access.

Amends Article XI, Section 1 to explicitly include "beaches" in the list of natural resources the State must conserve and protect for present and future generations.

Requires statewide ballot question asking: "Shall the State Constitution be amended to permit the State to manage beaches statewide, in perpetuity, as protected state resources?"

Cites rising sea levels, public safety hazards from beach erosion and inundation, and the State's public trust doctrine obligation to protect natural resources as justification for the amendments.