HI HR15

Requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources to collaborate with the Department of Education and State Public Charter School Commission to develop a Student Coral Stewardship Program focused on public education, outreach, and reef-safe sunscreen awareness at state beaches.

The proposed program would be educational, voluntary, and non-enforcement in nature, potentially including student-led outreach, educational materials, and community engagement activities based on current scientific research.

References Hawaii's Act 104 (2018), which restricts the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate due to their contribution to coral bleaching and harm to marine ecosystems.

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to submit a report to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2027 Regular Session summarizing collaborative efforts and presenting any legislative, policy, or funding recommendations.

Highlights existing student involvement in coral reef science, including programs at public charter schools like West Hawaiʻi Explorations Academy that integrate place-based marine education into their curriculum.