S.R. 172 Summary

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

• Waikiki hosts approximately 5 million tourists annually, generates about 30 percent of the state's gross domestic product, and is home to approximately 30,000 residents in a low-elevation, high-density coastal area vulnerable to sea level rise.

• Task force must include 18 specified members representing state agencies, city government, the legislature, universities, tourism industry, environmental organizations, and the Waikiki community.

• Hawaii Tourism Authority is requested to provide administrative support for the task force.

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