SCR 205 Summary

• Hawaii Tourism Authority is requested to convene an interdisciplinary task force to develop a framework for a comprehensive sea level adaptation and resilience plan for the Waikiki Special District.

• Task force chair will be the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, with 18 specified members including representatives from state agencies, city government, universities, tourism industry, environmental organizations, and the Waikiki community.

• Waikiki hosts approximately 5 million tourists annually, generates about 30 percent of the state's gross domestic product, and is vulnerable to inundation from multiple sources including storm drain backflow, groundwater inundation, wave run-up, heavy precipitation, and watershed flooding.

• Task force may invite additional organizations or agencies to participate and will receive administrative support from the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

• Task force must submit a report with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2021.