HI SB237

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to prepare regional-scale adaptation pathways plans addressing sea level rise impacts on residential, commercial, industrial, and resort development and associated public infrastructure.

Establishes a framework for phased adaptation measures including elevating and floodproofing infrastructure, armoring, zoning changes, and ultimately relocating structures away from critically threatened coastal areas.

Plans must be developed at regional scale (such as ahupuaa level) with community engagement, incorporating environmental triggers for implementation of specific adaptation actions over time.

Allows time-limited land dispositions for modified structures to temporarily occupy state-owned land makai of the shoreline, with requirements for minimal impact on natural shoreline processes and timelines for ultimate removal.

Appropriates unspecified general funds for fiscal year 2026-2027 to initiate one regional sea level rise adaptation pathways plan per county, with locations determined jointly by state and county agencies based on threat immediacy.