S.B. 507 Summary

• Adds definitions for "floodway," "natural stormwater infrastructure," and "wetlands" to Hawaii Revised Statutes section 343-2, with "wetlands" encompassing ten categories including transitional ecosystems, marshes, riparian zones, coastal areas, hydric soils, marine waters to six meters depth, and areas providing wetland functions such as flood attenuation and carbon sequestration.

• Requires Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation housing projects that are otherwise exempt from planning, zoning, and construction standards to demonstrate they do not have a significant adverse impact on wetlands or natural stormwater infrastructure.

• Mandates environmental assessments for any proposed development under the environmental impact statements law that would impact wetlands or natural stormwater infrastructure.

• Takes effect March 22, 2075.