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:

SECTION 1. 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. 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.

The legislature further finds that coastal ecosystems, or blue carbon ecosystems, such as native seagrass beds, salt marshes, and loko iʻa (fish ponds), are highly effective carbon sinks, yet remain largely unmapped, unregulated, and at risk from coastal development, dredging, and pollution. 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.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the office of planning and sustainable development to:

(1) Establish a statewide blue carbon strategy; and

(2) Submit a report to the legislature.

SECTION 2. The office of planning and sustainable development shall establish a statewide blue carbon strategy that includes:

(1) Conducting a mapping and baseline assessment of native blue carbon ecosystems; and

(2) Regulating and protecting identified native blue carbon ecosystems and habitats from development, dredging, pollution, or other harmful activities.

SECTION 3. 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.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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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. 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.