SB 1639: RELATING TO HAWAII BEACH DAY.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO HAWAII BEACH DAY.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that beaches are among the most treasured natural and cultural resources in the State.  From their scenic beauty to their ecological importance, Hawaii's beaches play a vital role in the lives of residents and visitors.  However, these iconic coastal areas face numerous challenges, including erosion, pollution, and overuse.

      The legislature further finds that an annual day of celebration and observance would raise awareness about environmental stewardship, encourage responsible beach use, and highlight the ecological and cultural significance of Hawaii's coastal areas. 

     Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to establish an annual Hawaii Beach Day to celebrate, promote, and protect Hawaii's beaches.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§8-    Hawaii Beach Day.  (a)  August 30 of each year shall be known and designated as "Hawaii Beach Day".  This day is not and shall not be construed to be a state holiday.

     (b)  Hawaii Beach Day shall serve the following purposes:

     (1)  Promote public awareness about the importance of preserving and protecting Hawaii's beaches;

     (2)  Celebrate the cultural and recreational value of beaches to Hawaii's residents and visitors;

     (3)  Encourage participation in beach cleanups and environmental conservation initiatives; and

     (4)  Highlight sustainable tourism practices to minimize the environmental impact of beach use."

     SECTION 3.  Chapter 201B, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§201B-    Hawaii Beach Day; report.  (a)  The authority, in collaboration with the department of land and natural resources, shall organize and support events and activities to celebrate and observe Hawaii Beach Day, established by section 8-   , including:

     (1)  Statewide beach cleanups and restoration projects;

     (2)  Educational campaigns about marine conservation and beach stewardship;

     (3)  Cultural demonstrations and workshops about the historical and cultural significance of beaches in Native Hawaiian traditions; and

     (4)  Public art or educational exhibits that highlight the beauty and importance of Hawaii's beaches.

     (b)  The authority shall encourage schools, community organizations, and local businesses to participate in the celebration and observation of Hawaii Beach Day by conducting events, workshops, and campaigns that align with the goals of Hawaii Beach Day.

     (c)  No later than twenty days before the convening of each regular session, the authority shall submit an annual report to the legislature detailing, at a minimum:

     (1)  The events and activities conducted to promote Hawaii Beach Day;

     (2)  The funds expended by the authority regarding Hawaii Beach Day and the outcomes of those expenditures; and

     (3)  Recommendations for improving future celebrations and observances of Hawaii Beach Day."

     SECTION 4.  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 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the Hawaii tourism authority, in collaboration with the department of land and natural resources, to organize and support events and activities to celebrate and observe Hawaii Beach Day, established by section 8-   , Hawaii Revised Statutes, including:

     (1)  Conducting marketing and public-awareness campaigns;

     (2)  Obtaining equipment and supplies for beach cleanups and conservation efforts; and

     (3)  Making grants to community organizations for events related to Hawaii Beach Day.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the Hawaii tourism authority for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050; provided that section 4 of this Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

Report Title:

Hawaii Beach Day; Establishment; Hawaii Tourism Authority; DLNR; Reports; Appropriations

Description:

Establishes Hawaii Beach Day.  Requires the Hawaii Tourism Authority, in collaboration with the Department of Land and Natural Resources, to organize and support events and activities to celebrate and observe Hawaii Beach Day.  Requires annual reports to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (SD1)

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

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to hawaii beach day.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that beaches are among the most treasured natural and cultural resources in the State.  From their scenic beauty to their ecological importance, Hawaii's beaches play a vital role in the lives of residents and visitors.  However, these iconic coastal areas face numerous challenges, including erosion, pollution, and overuse.

      The legislature further finds that an annual day of celebration and observance would raise awareness about environmental stewardship, encourage responsible beach use, and highlight the ecological and cultural significance of Hawaii's coastal areas.  Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to establish an annual Hawaii Beach Day to celebrate, promote, and protect Hawaii's beaches.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§8-     Hawaii Beach Day.  (a)  August 30 of each year shall be known and designated as "Hawaii Beach Day".  This day is not and shall not be construed to be a state holiday.

     (b)  Hawaii Beach Day shall serve the following purposes:

     (1)  Promote public awareness about the importance of preserving and protecting Hawaii's beaches;

     (2)  Celebrate the cultural and recreational value of beaches to Hawaii's residents and visitors;

     (3)  Encourage participation in beach cleanups and environmental conservation initiatives; and

     (4)  Highlight sustainable tourism practices to minimize the environmental impact of beach use."

     SECTION 3.  Chapter 201B, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§201B-     Hawaii Beach Day.  (a)  The authority, in collaboration with the department of land and natural resources, shall organize and support events and activities to celebrate and observe Hawaii Beach Day, established by section 8-   , including:

     (1)  Statewide beach cleanups and restoration projects;

     (2)  Educational campaigns about marine conservation and beach stewardship;

     (3)  Cultural demonstrations and workshops about the historical and cultural significance of beaches in Native Hawaiian traditions; and

     (4)  Public art or educational exhibits that highlight the beauty and importance of Hawaii's beaches.

     (b)  The authority shall encourage schools, community organizations, and local businesses to participate in the celebration and observation of Hawaii Beach Day by conducting events, workshops, and campaigns that align with the goals of Hawaii Beach Day.

     (c)  No later than twenty days before the convening of each regular session, the authority shall submit an annual report to the legislature detailing, at a minimum:

     (1)  The events and activities conducted to promote Hawaii Beach Day;

     (2)  The funds expended by the authority regarding Hawaii Beach Day and the outcomes of those expenditures; and

     (3)  Recommendations for improving future celebrations and observances of Hawaii Beach Day."

     SECTION 4.  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 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the Hawaii tourism authority, in collaboration with the department of land and natural resources, to organize and support events and activities to celebrate and observe Hawaii Beach Day, established by section 8-   , Hawaii Revised Statutes, including:

     (1)  Conducting marketing and public-awareness campaigns;

     (2)  Obtaining equipment and supplies for beach cleanups and conservation efforts; and

     (3)  Making grants to community organizations for events related to Hawaii Beach Day.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the Hawaii tourism authority for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval; provided that section 4 of this Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

Report Title:

Hawaii Beach Day; Establishment; Hawaii Tourism Authority; DLNR; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes Hawaii Beach Day.  Requires the Hawaii Tourism Authority, in collaboration with the Department of Land and Natural Resources, to organize and support events and activities to celebrate and observe Hawaii Beach Day.  Appropriates funds.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 672

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 1639

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on Transportation and Culture and the Arts and Economic Development and Tourism, to which was referred S.B. No. 1639 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HAWAII BEACH DAY,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Establish Hawaii Beach Day;

     (2)  Require the Hawaii Tourism Authority, in collaboration with the Department of Land and Natural Resources, to organize and support events and activities to celebrate and observe Hawaii Beach Day; and

     (3)  Appropriate funds.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from one individual.

     Your Committees received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

     Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority.

     Your Committees find that beaches are a vital natural and cultural resource in the State.  Pollution, overuse, and erosion threaten these sacred spaces and necessitate improved environmental stewardship and responsible use.  Therefore, this measure recognizes the importance of protecting the State's natural environment by establishing an annual Hawaii Beach Day.

Your Committees have amended this measure by:

     (1)  Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Transportation and Culture and the Arts and Economic Development and Tourism that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1639, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1639, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Transportation and Culture and the Arts and Economic Development and Tourism,