HB2486 Summary

• Establishes a statewide sustainability branch within the Office of Planning, administered by the state sustainability coordinator, to develop policies and programs addressing Hawaii's sustainability and climate goals.

• Assigns the sustainability branch three primary duties: developing policies to meet sustainability goals, evaluating proposed legislation and regulatory changes, and promoting proposals that enhance local economies, the environment, and community well-being.

• Amends the Office of Planning's responsibilities to include "sea level rise adaptation coordination" under coastal and ocean policy management and expands climate adaptation duties to include sustainability planning and coordination.

• Updates references in climate adaptation planning from Act 286, Session Laws of Hawaii 2012 to chapter 225P and sections 226-108 and 226-109 to reflect current sustainability and climate change frameworks.

• Takes effect upon approval and addresses climate change, COVID-19 economic recovery, and long-term statewide planning coordination among state agencies.