REQUESTING 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.

HR15

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.R. NO.

15

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

requesting 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.

����
WHEREAS, Hawai
ʻ
i's coral reefs are
critical to the State's environment, culture, shoreline protection, and
economy, yet they are increasingly threatened by climate change, pollution, and
human activities; and

����
WHEREAS, scientific
research has shown that certain chemical-based sunscreen ingredients, including
oxybenzone and octinoxate, contribute to coral bleaching and harm marine
ecosystems when they enter nearshore waters; and

����
WHEREAS, the
Legislature has demonstrated leadership in coral reef protection through Act
104, Session Laws of Hawaii 2018, which restricts the sale and distribution of
sunscreens containing chemicals harmful to coral reefs; and

����
WHEREAS, many
residents and visitors wish to comply with reef-safe practices but face
barriers, including limited access, higher cost, or lack of information
regarding reef-safe sunscreen options; and

����
WHEREAS, improving
public education and awareness regarding reef-safe practices, including the use
of mineral-based sunscreen, can help protect coral reefs while also promoting
skin cancer prevention and public health; and

����
WHEREAS, students
across Hawai
ʻ
i
have demonstrated a strong interest, research capacity, and leadership in coral
reef science, environmental stewardship, and community education; and

����
WHEREAS, public
charter schools in the State, such as West Hawai
ʻ
i
Explorations Academy on Hawai
ʻ
i
Island, have demonstrated a strong commitment to the early education of
students in ocean protection and marine stewardship by integrating place-based,
experiential learning focused on Hawai
ʻ
i's
marine environments into their curriculum; and

����
WHEREAS, collaboration
among the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Education, State
Public Charter School Commission, and interested students can strengthen coral
reef restoration efforts through education, outreach and stewardship; now,
therefore,

����
BE IT
RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the
State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, that the Department of Land and
Natural Resources is requested to collaborate with the Department of Education
and State Public Charter School Commission to develop and propose a Student
Coral Stewardship Program that assists with public education, outreach, and
reef-safe sunscreen awareness at state beaches; and

����
BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the Student Coral Stewardship Program is intended to be
educational, voluntary, and non-enforcement in nature, and may include
student-led outreach, educational materials, and community engagement
activities informed by current scientific research; and

����
BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to
submit a report to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the
convening of the Regular Session of 2027 that summarizes collaborative efforts,
including input and perspectives from participating students, and that presents
any legislative, policy, or funding recommendations necessary to advance coral
reef protection and student stewardship initiatives; and

����
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution
be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources,
Superintendent of Education, and Executive Director of the State Public Charter
School Commission.

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:
�

DLNR;
DOE; State Public Charter School Commission; Student Coral Stewardship Program;
Coral Reefs; Sunscreen; Public Education; Reports