With what we know about sea level rise and beach erosion, it seems pretty obvious that new development shouldn’t occur near the ocean.  The Senate recently passed a bold measure (SB 468, SD1) adopting scientific standards for all future development.  It required all new development occur at least forty-feet away from the shoreline and factored in the rate of erosion at each beach.

Unfortunately, the House is considering eliminating this language and, in fact, taking a huge step backwards.  Catering to the hotel lobby, the House would completely eliminate the current twenty-foot shoreline setback in Waikiki.  This could allow new development right along the water in Waikiki.

This is a huge step backwards.  The map above showing the projected Waikiki coastline in the near future pretty much says it all.

Why would we loosen development restrictions near the water?  Please take action and email the House of Representatives or contact your representative.  Tell them you’re a concerned constituent and that you want the original Senate version of SB 468 (SD1) passed and the Waikiki exclusion removed. 

Sample testimony:

I am greatly concerned about SB 468 (SD1, HD2), which eliminates the shoreline setback in Waikiki. 

We need to start planning for coastal erosion now.  We should have a scientific-based minimum setback of forty feet with a parcel by parcel formula that looks at the historical erosion rate of that particular area -- the language the Senate approved.  Let’s stop developing new homes and buildings where we know shoreline erosion will occur.  

Under no circumstance should we eliminate the current shoreline setback, which is already too lax.  Let’s be smart about our future and preserve the beaches and coastline for our keiki.