HI SCR41

Designates Hawaii's coral reefs as critical natural infrastructure and strongly supports nature-based solutions such as coral reef restoration for risk reduction.

Recognizes that healthy coral reefs absorb up to 97 percent of wave energy and protect an estimated $836,000,000 worth of coastal infrastructure from flooding annually.

Notes that live coral cover has declined by up to 40 percent in some areas and Hawaii has experienced three coral bleaching events in the past ten years, including a statewide mass bleaching event in 2015.

Identifies coral reef restoration as a cost-effective hazard mitigation strategy eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency funding through the Hazard Mitigation Assistance and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities programs.

Directs transmission of certified copies to the Governor, Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and Administrator of the Hawaii Emergency Management Authority.