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Lawmakers debate HB 1823, critics say bill would bypass coastal protections
Summary
Lawmakers debated HB 1823 (HD2 SD2 CD2), which would narrow SMA review in certain counties; opponents warned it could erode long-standing coastal safeguards and jeopardize federal coastal-zone funding, while proponents said the measure was narrowed in conference and aimed at post-disaster rebuilding.
Lawmakers on the House floor spent more than an hour debating HB 1823 (HD2 SD2 CD2), a measure that would narrow the state's Special Management Area (SMA) permitting for specified projects in counties with certain populations. Representative Amato, speaking in opposition, framed the bill as a threat to Hawaii's shoreline protections and to federal funding that helps manage those resources.
"HB 18 23 undermines these core environmental values," Representative Amato said, arguing that the SMA process "protects our shoreline, natural resources, and ensure(s) public access to beaches." Amato warned that removing SMA review could risk hundreds of millions in federal…
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