Bill Text: HI SB3354 | 2024 | Regular Session | Introduced

---

Bill Title: Relating To Kawehewehe Beach.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced) 2024-01-29 - Referred to WTL, WAM. [SB3354 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2024-SB3354-Introduced.html

---

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	3354
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to kawehewehe beach.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the impact of sea level rise is evident in coastal communities where the beach has eroded, causing the deterioration of infrastructure and creating hazardous conditions for both resident and visitor pedestrians.  In certain areas of Waikiki, walkways are narrow, inaccessible to those who cannot use stairs, and often overtopped by sand and crashing waves, creating an extremely hazardous condition. 

     The legislature also finds that Waikiki's waterfront has deteriorated to become discontinuous and dangerous, with a large segment of the beach, known as the Halekulani beach sector, inaccessible from the shoreline.  The condition of the waterfront inhibits accessibility between hotels, restaurants, sailing charters, and other businesses that serve both visitors and residents.

     The legislature further finds that the improvement of public access infrastructure is a way to regenerate connections and revitalize the businesses in this area of Waikiki.  It may also serve as an example of how coastal communities can incorporate sea level rise and coastal hazards into planning and adaptation processes moving forward.  One of the most innovative and important aspects of this effort is the proposal to develop a stakeholder-driven design process by conducting extensive community engagement; incorporating innovative research on climate adaptation from the university of Hawaii, including local design and engineering firms; and collaborating with numerous stakeholders on a mutually beneficial project.

     The legislature recognizes that the Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District Association, university of Hawaii sea grant program, and Waikiki resilience and sea level rise adaptation project are recent examples of community engagement and outreach in Waikiki.  These organizations and programs conduct ongoing community outreach and engagement to build a shared understanding and vision for the future of Waikiki as an urban center.

     The legislature further recognizes that the construction of a lateral public beach accessway at Kawehewehe beach between Fort DeRussy beach and Waikiki beach would dovetail with plans already funded by the legislature through a beach restoration pilot program as well as planned groins that keep the sand in place as part of the Waikiki beach improvement and maintenance project.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for the capital improvement project to plan, design, and reconstruct a public access route between Fort DeRussy beach and Waikiki beach.

     SECTION 2.  The director of finance is authorized to issue general obligation bonds in the sum of $6,300,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary is appropriated for fiscal year 2024-2025, for the following capital improvement project:

1.   Kawehewehe Beach, Oahu

     A.   Plan, design, and reconstruction of a public access route between Fort DeRussy beach and Waikiki beach.

          Plans                           $700,000

          Design                          $250,000

          Fees                            $250,000

          Outreach                        $100,000

          Construction                  $5,000,000

          Total funding                         $6,300,000

     SECTION 3.  The appropriation made for the capital improvement project authorized by this Act shall not lapse at the end of the fiscal year for which the appropriation is made; provided that all moneys from the appropriation that is unencumbered as of June 30, 2026, shall lapse as of that date.

     SECTION 4.  The sum appropriated for the respective capital improvement project set forth in section 2 shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

 

Report Title:

CIP; Kawehewehe Beach; Fort DeRussy Beach; Waikiki Beach; Public Access Route

 

Description:

Appropriates funds for a capital improvement project to plan, design, and reconstruct a public access route between Fort DeRussy Beach and Waikiki Beach.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.