HI SR35

Designates Hawaii's coral reefs as critical natural infrastructure and expresses strong support for nature-based solutions including coral reef restoration for risk reduction.

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

Notes that coral reefs provide economic benefits through fishing, tourism, and food security, with 10 million annual visitors contributing nearly $17 billion to the state economy.

Identifies threats to coral reefs including climate change effects, sea level rise, coral bleaching, ocean acidification, land-based pollution, unsustainable fishing, and invasive species, with live coral cover declining by up to 40 percent in some areas.

Requires transmission of certified copies to the Governor, Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and Administrator of the Hawaii Emergency Management Authority to demonstrate political support for Federal Emergency Management Agency Hazard Mitigation Assistance program funding.