HI SR89

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

Requests DLNR to develop and implement a pilot program at Kailua Beach to deploy and test new sand-cleaning technologies for potential statewide use.

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

Identifies Kailua Beach as disproportionately affected by microplastic pollution due to onshore winds and ocean currents depositing debris from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

References existing microplastic removal technology developed by the University of Hawaii at Hilo and Hawaii Wildlife Fund that was tested at Kamilo Point on Hawaii Island.