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SB2186
THE SENATE
S.B. NO.
2186
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating
to BLUE carbon
.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
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SECTION 1.
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The
legislature finds that the State is not on track to meet its legally mandated
greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for 2030 and 2045 as established by
Act 15, Session Laws of Hawaii 2018, and as amended by Act 238, Session Laws of
Hawaii 2022.
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Many other jurisdictions
across the world have enacted similar targets, and it is critical that the
State continue to support clean energy initiatives and reduce climate-related
impacts.
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The legislature further finds that coastal
ecosystems, or blue carbon ecosystems, such as native seagrass beds, salt
marshes, and loko i
ʻ
a (fish ponds), are
highly effective carbon sinks, yet remain largely unmapped, unregulated, and at
risk from coastal development, dredging, and pollution.
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Protecting and restoring native blue carbon
ecosystems could significantly reduce the State's atmospheric carbon and
greenhouse gas emissions, help meet mandated climate targets, and enhance
coastal resilience.
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Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to
require the office of planning and sustainable development to:
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(1)
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Establish
a statewide blue carbon strategy; and
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(2)
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Submit
a report to the legislature.
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SECTION 2.
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The office of planning and sustainable development shall establish a
statewide blue carbon strategy that includes:
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(1)
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Conducting
a mapping and baseline assessment of native blue carbon ecosystems; and
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(2)
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Regulating
and protecting identified native blue carbon ecosystems and habitats from
development, dredging, pollution, or other harmful activities.
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SECTION 3.
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The office of planning and sustainable development shall submit a report
detailing the statewide blue carbon strategy and its findings and
recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no
later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of
2027.
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SECTION 4.
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This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
INTRODUCED BY:
_____________________________
Report Title:
OPSD;
Coastal Zone Management Program; Statewide Blue Carbon Strategy; Report
Description:
Requires
the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to establish a Statewide Blue
Carbon Strategy.
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Requires a report to
the Legislature.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.