Governor Green Signs 16 Bills That Expand the State’s Efforts to Preserve Hawai‘i’s Natural Resources and Foster Sustainable Tourism

Yesterday, Governor Green signed 16 bills that expand the state’s efforts to preserve Hawai‘i’s natural resources and foster sustainable tourism practices.

The legislation, which strengthens existing laws and policies in environmental conservation, regenerative land use, marine activities regulation and tourism management strategies include the following:

SB3364 – CREATING ACTION PLANS FOR TOURISM MANAGEMENT
SB 3364 mandates that the HTA establish destination management action plans for O‘ahu, Maui Nui, Hawai‘i Island, and Kaua‘i, fostering collaboration among state agencies, counties and advisory groups. The plans aim to enhance visitor experiences, improve natural and cultural resources, develop a sustainable tourism infrastructure and promote regenerative tourism practices, with a particular focus on preserving and promoting Native Hawaiian culture.

HB2248 – CREATING A NORTH SHORE BEACH MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR O‘AHU
HB 2248 appropriates $1 million to develop a comprehensive beach management plan from Sunset Point to Kapoʻo (Sharks Cove) on Oʻahu’s North Shore. Led by the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program, the plan will address beach erosion and will enhance recreational access. The plan also seeks to preserve natural habitats through community input and innovative coastal protection strategies.

HB2475 – REGULATING COMMERCIAL OCEAN ACTIVITIES
HB 2475 expands the regulation of commercial ocean activities in Hawai‘i’s state waters, targeting illegal operations and unpermitted commercialization promoted on social media. The legislation strengthens enforcement measures under the Department of Land and Natural Resources, safeguarding marine resources and public safety.

SB2575 – PROHIBITING SEABED MINING IN STATE WATERS
SB 2575 prohibits seabed mining in Hawai‘i’s state marine waters, citing environmental risks. It also upholds Hawai‘i’s constitutional mandate for a clean and healthy environment. The Act supports sustainable marine resource management while respecting Native Hawaiian cultural connections to the ocean.

The complete list of bills signed includes the following:

RELATING TO NUMBER PLATES

HB1861 HD2 SD2

RELATING TO OCEAN STEWARDSHIP

SB2182 HD1 CD1

RELATING TO OCEAN RECREATION

SB2721 SD2 HD2 CD1

RELATING TO THE PACIFIC MARINE FISHERIES COMPACT

HB2478 HD1 SD1 CD1

RELATING TO WASTEWATER

HB2743 HD2 SD1 CD1

RELATING TO WATER INFRASTRUCTURE