HI HR61

Urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources to designate personnel and implement technology to remove microplastic debris from sand and ocean water statewide.

Directs DLNR to develop and implement a pilot program at Kailua Beach Park to deploy and test new sand-cleaning technologies for potential statewide use, as Kailua Beach has experienced disproportionately high microplastic pollution.

Requires DLNR to submit a report with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the convening of the 2021 Regular Session.

Cites that at least 690 wildlife species have been impacted by microplastic ingestion, including endangered green sea turtles that nest on Hawaii's beaches.

References a previous pilot project at Kamilo Point on Hawaii Island by the University of Hawaii at Hilo and Hawaii Wildlife Fund that tested a machine designed to filter microplastics from sand.