SCR 19: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND STATE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL COMMISSION TO COLLABORATE WITH THE DIVISION OF AQUATIC RESOURCES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO DEVELOP AND PROPOSE A FRAMEWORK FOR A STUDENT CORAL STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM.
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2026-04-17
Current Status:
In Progress
(2026-04-20: Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on EDN as amended in HD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Alcos, Cochran, Woodson excused (3).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
Asks the Department of Education and the State Public Charter School Commission to work with the Division of Aquatic Resources to develop a framework for a Student Coral Stewardship Program to help educate the public, run outreach, and raise awareness about reef‑safe sunscreen at state beaches. The program is to be educational, voluntary, and non‑enforceable, may include student‑led outreach and materials based on scientific research, and the agencies are asked to report to state lawmakers with a summary and any policy or funding recommendations.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND STATE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL COMMISSION TO COLLABORATE WITH THE DIVISION OF AQUATIC RESOURCES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO DEVELOP AND PROPOSE A FRAMEWORK FOR A STUDENT CORAL STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM.
requesting the DIVISION of Aquatic resources TO collaborate with the department of education and state public charter school commission to develop and propose a framework for a student coral stewardship program.
requesting the department of land and natural resources TO collaborate with the department of education and state public charter school commission to develop a student coral stewardship program.
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THE SENATE |
S.C.R. NO. |
19 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 1 |
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SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND STATE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL COMMISSION TO COLLABORATE WITH THE DIVISION OF AQUATIC RESOURCES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO DEVELOP AND PROPOSE A FRAMEWORK FOR A STUDENT CORAL STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM.
WHEREAS, the State's coral reefs are critical to the State's environment, culture, shoreline protection, and economy, yet they are increasingly threatened by climate change, pollution, and human activities; and
WHEREAS, scientific research has shown that certain chemical-based sunscreen ingredients, including oxybenzone and octinoxate, contribute to coral bleaching and harm marine ecosystems when they enter nearshore waters; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature has demonstrated leadership in coral reef protection through Act 104, Session Laws of Hawaii 2018, which restricts the sale and distribution of sunscreens containing chemicals harmful to coral reefs; and
WHEREAS, many residents and visitors wish to comply with reef-safe practices but face barriers, including limited access, higher cost, or lack of information regarding reef-safe sunscreen options; and
WHEREAS, improving public education and awareness regarding reef-safe practices, including the use of mineral-based sunscreen, can help protect coral reefs while also promoting skin cancer prevention and public health; and
WHEREAS, students across the State have demonstrated a strong interest, research capacity, and leadership in coral reef science, environmental stewardship, and community education; and
WHEREAS, public charter schools in the State, such as West Hawaiʻi Explorations Academy on Hawaiʻi Island, have demonstrated a strong commitment to the early education of students in ocean protection and marine stewardship by integrating place-based, experiential learning focused on the State's marine environments into their curriculum; and
WHEREAS, collaboration among the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Education, State Public Charter School Commission, and interested students can strengthen coral reef restoration efforts through education, outreach, and stewardship; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Department of Education and State Public Charter School Commission, in collaboration with the Division of Aquatic Resources of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, are requested to develop and propose a framework for a Student Coral Stewardship Program that assists with public education, outreach, and reef-safe sunscreen awareness at state beaches; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Student Coral Stewardship Program is intended to be educational, voluntary, and non-enforceable in nature and may include student-led outreach, educational materials, and community engagement activities informed by current scientific research; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education and State Public Charter School Commission are requested to submit a report to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2027 that summarizes collaborative efforts, including input and perspectives from participating students, and that presents any legislative, policy, or funding recommendations necessary to advance coral reef protection and student stewardship initiatives; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Superintendent of Education, Executive Director of the State Public Charter School Commission, Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and Administrator of the Division of Aquatic Resources.
DLNR; DOE; State Public Charter School Commission; Student Coral Stewardship Program; Coral Reefs; Sunscreen; Public Education; Reports
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THE SENATE |
S.C.R. NO. |
19 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
requesting the DIVISION of Aquatic resources TO collaborate with the department of education and state public charter school commission to develop and propose a framework for a student coral stewardship program.
WHEREAS, the State's coral reefs are critical to the State's environment, culture, shoreline protection, and economy, yet they are increasingly threatened by climate change, pollution, and human activities; and
WHEREAS, scientific research has shown that certain chemical-based sunscreen ingredients, including oxybenzone and octinoxate, contribute to coral bleaching and harm marine ecosystems when they enter nearshore waters; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature has demonstrated leadership in coral reef protection through Act 104, Session Laws of Hawaii 2018, which restricts the sale and distribution of sunscreens containing chemicals harmful to coral reefs; and
WHEREAS, many residents and visitors wish to comply with reef-safe practices but face barriers, including limited access, higher cost, or lack of information regarding reef-safe sunscreen options; and
WHEREAS, improving public education and awareness regarding reef-safe practices, including the use of mineral-based sunscreen, can help protect coral reefs while also promoting skin cancer prevention and public health; and
WHEREAS, students across the State have demonstrated a strong interest, research capacity, and leadership in coral reef science, environmental stewardship, and community education; and
WHEREAS, public charter schools in the State, such as West Hawaiʻi Explorations Academy on Hawaiʻi Island, have demonstrated a strong commitment to the early education of students in ocean protection and marine stewardship by integrating place-based, experiential learning focused on the State's marine environments into their curriculum; and
WHEREAS, collaboration among the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Education, State Public Charter School Commission, and interested students can strengthen coral reef restoration efforts through education, outreach and stewardship; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, that the Division of Aquatic Resources of the Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to collaborate with the Department of Education and State Public Charter School Commission to develop and propose a framework for a Student Coral Stewardship Program that assists with public education, outreach, and reef-safe sunscreen awareness at state beaches; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Student Coral Stewardship Program is intended to be educational, voluntary, and non-enforceable in nature, and may include student-led outreach, educational materials, and community engagement activities informed by current scientific research; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Division of Aquatic Resources is requested to submit a report to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2027 that summarizes collaborative efforts, including input and perspectives from participating students, and that presents any legislative, policy, or funding recommendations necessary to advance coral reef protection and student stewardship initiatives; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, Superintendent of Education, Administrator of the Division of Aquatic Resources, and Executive Director of the State Public Charter School Commission.
DLNR; DOE; State Public Charter School Commission; Student Coral Stewardship Program; Coral Reefs; Sunscreen; Public Education; Reports
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THE SENATE |
S.C.R. NO. |
19 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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SENATE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION
requesting the department of land and natural resources TO collaborate with the department of education and state public charter school commission to develop a student coral stewardship program.
WHEREAS, Hawaiʻi's coral reefs are critical to the State's environment, culture, shoreline protection, and economy, yet they are increasingly threatened by climate change, pollution, and human activities; and
WHEREAS, scientific research has shown that certain chemical-based sunscreen ingredients, including oxybenzone and octinoxate, contribute to coral bleaching and harm marine ecosystems when they enter nearshore waters; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature has demonstrated leadership in coral reef protection through Act 104, Session Laws of Hawaii 2018, which restricts the sale and distribution of sunscreens containing chemicals harmful to coral reefs; and
WHEREAS, many residents and visitors wish to comply with reef-safe practices but face barriers, including limited access, higher cost, or lack of information regarding reef-safe sunscreen options; and
WHEREAS, improving public education and awareness regarding reef-safe practices, including the use of mineral-based sunscreen, can help protect coral reefs while also promoting skin cancer prevention and public health; and
WHEREAS, students across Hawaiʻi have demonstrated a strong interest, research capacity, and leadership in coral reef science, environmental stewardship, and community education; and
WHEREAS, public charter schools in the State, such as West Hawaiʻi Explorations Academy on Hawaiʻi Island, have demonstrated a strong commitment to the early education of students in ocean protection and marine stewardship by integrating place-based, experiential learning focused on Hawaiʻi's marine environments into their curriculum; and
WHEREAS, collaboration among the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Education, State Public Charter School Commission, and interested students can strengthen coral reef restoration efforts through education, outreach and stewardship; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to collaborate with the Department of Education and State Public Charter School Commission to develop and propose a Student Coral Stewardship Program that assists with public education, outreach, and reef-safe sunscreen awareness at state beaches; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Student Coral Stewardship Program is intended to be educational, voluntary, and non-enforcement in nature, and may include student-led outreach, educational materials, and community engagement activities informed by current scientific research; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to submit a report to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2027 that summarizes collaborative efforts, including input and perspectives from participating students, and that presents any legislative, policy, or funding recommendations necessary to advance coral reef protection and student stewardship initiatives; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, Superintendent of Education, and Executive Director of the State Public Charter School Commission.
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OFFERED BY: |
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DLNR; DOE; State Public Charter School Commission; Student Coral Stewardship Program; Coral Reefs; Sunscreen; Public Education; Reports
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Date
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Status
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| Apr 20, 2026 | Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on EDN as amended in HD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Alcos, Cochran, Woodson excused (3). |
| Apr 20, 2026 | Reported from WAL (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2190-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending referral to EDN. |
| Apr 16, 2026 | The committee on WAL recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 8 Ayes: Representative(s) Hashem, Morikawa, Belatti, Ichiyama, Iwamoto, Poepoe, Shimizu, Souza; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Woodson. |
| Apr 13, 2026 | Resolution scheduled to be heard by WAL on Thursday, 04-16-26 9:00AM in conference room 411 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Referred to WAL, EDN, referral sheet 27 |
| Apr 9, 2026 | Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 442) in amended form (SD 1). |
| Apr 9, 2026 | Report and Resolution Adopted, as amended (SD 1). Transmitted to House. |
| Apr 8, 2026 | One Day Notice 04-09-26. |
| Apr 8, 2026 | Reported from WLA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3538) with recommendation of adoption, as amended (SD 1). |
| Mar 30, 2026 | The committee(s) on WLA recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in WLA were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Lee, C., Inouye, Lamosao, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Chang. |
| Mar 27, 2026 | The committee(s) on WLA has scheduled a public hearing on 03-30-26 1:00PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 13, 2026 | Referred to WLA. |
| Feb 9, 2026 | Offered. |
| Feb 10, 2026 | Offered. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| Apr 16, 2026 | The committee on WAL recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Water & Land |
Passed |
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| Mar 30, 2026 | The committee(s) on WLA recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Apr 16, 2026 | SCR19_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAL_04-16-26_.PDF |
| Mar 30, 2026 | SCR19_TESTIMONY_WLA_03-30-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
7MIN
House Standing Committee on Water & Land
7MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts
2MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts
Bill Author
