Bill Text: HI HB1058 | 2014 | Regular Session | Introduced

Hawaii House Bill 1058 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Office of the Lieutenant Governor; Climate Change Roundtable; Appropriation ($)

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2013-12-18 - Carried over to 2014 Regular Session. [HB1058 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2014-HB1058-Introduced.html

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1058
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO CLIMATE CHANGE.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the Pacific islands region is experiencing dangerous climate change. Currently, the most vulnerable areas include human and natural communities in low islands, nearshore and coastal areas, and coral reefs. Some of the most imminent and alarming concerns include:

(1) Freshwater supplies that will be more limited on many Pacific islands as the quantity and quality of water in aquifers and surface catchments change in response to warmer, drier conditions coupled with increased occurrences of saltwater intrusion;

(2) Rising sea levels that will increase the likelihood of coastal flooding and erosion, damaging coastal infrastructure and agriculture, negatively impacting tourism, reducing habitat for endangered species, and threatening shallow reef systems; and

(3) Higher sea-surface temperatures that will increase coral bleaching, leading to a change in coral species composition, coral disease, coral death, and habitat loss.

The legislature also finds that some of these changes to the environment are now unavoidable and require some degree of planning and adaptation. However, some of these changes can still be greatly mitigated, if not prevented altogether, but innovation, collaboration, and hard work are required. A comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of alternative adaptation strategies is needed to refine planning and management decisions.

The purpose of this Act is to require the lieutenant governor to convene and chair a climate change roundtable to enhance the State's resilience to the myriad changes already occurring and those yet to come.

SECTION 2. Section 26-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:

"(d) In addition to the functions and duties provided by law, the lieutenant governor shall [~~assume~~]:

(1) Assume administrative responsibility for the office of information practices[.]; and

(2) Convene and chair a climate change roundtable."

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2013-2014 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014-2015 to do all things necessary in convening the climate change roundtable, including hiring administrative staff.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the office of the lieutenant governor for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2013.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Office of the Lieutenant Governor; Climate Change Roundtable; Appropriation

Description:

Requires the lieutenant governor to convene and chair a climate change roundtable. Makes an appropriation.

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