S.R. No. 163 Summary

• Requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Office of Planning to establish a task force on Waikiki's adaptation to sea level rise in consultation with the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission.

• Task force shall develop and recommend a range of adaptive measures for Waikiki, including options for retreat from rising ocean waters or protective coastal measures to preserve the area in its current state.

• Task force shall consider and recommend funding methods from public and private stakeholders for adaptive measures, and outline topics and cost estimates for any needed follow-up engineering and financial studies.

• Task force membership includes representatives from 10 entities including state and city agencies, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, and three Waikiki organizations; may also invite civil engineering firms, financing firms, and community representatives as non-voting participants.

• Task force shall submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2021 Regular Session convenes; members serve without compensation.