Hawaii legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Hawaii HB1503: Relating to Disaster Recovery.
Status: Failed, December 8, 2025
Excludes from the definition of "development" for purposes of coastal zone management restrictions, the reconstruction, under certain circumstances, of structures destroyed in the August 8, 2023, wildfires in Lahaina, Maui.
What the bill says
A bill for an act relating to disaster recovery.
From the introduced text:
A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO DISASTER RECOVERY. SECTION 1. Section 205A-21, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows: "~2O5A-21 Findings and purposes. The legislature finds that[T] special controls on developments within an area along the shoreline are necessary to avoid permanent losses of valuable resources and the foreclosure of management options, and to ensure that adequate access is provided, by dedication or other means, to public owned or used beaches, recreation areas, and natural reserves [i~ providcd] The legislature finds and . declares that it is the [ctatc] State's policy to preserve, protect, and where possible, to restore the natural resources of the coastal zone of Hawaii. The legislature further finds that the wildfires of August 8, 2023, devastated Lahaina's heritage, economy, and sense of place, and has deeply affected housing, business, jobs, and treasured resources. If the area is not rebuilt in a deliberate, coordinated, and expeditious manner, the area may HB LRB 25-0635.docx H.B. NO. ~ Page2 languish in the long term and affect the well-being of the land, people, and economy. However, the legislature recognizes that there is an opportunity to rebuild Lahaina by preserving and reintroducing its valued resources in a manner that reflects the values and priorities of its residents and businesses, and addresses future challenges, including climate change and affordable …
Sponsors
- Elle Cochran (D, 14) · primary sponsor
- David Alcos (R, 41)
- Matthias Kusch (D, 1)
- Julie Reyes Oda (R, 40)
- Gene Ward (R)
- Lauren Matsumoto (R, 38)
Latest actions
- : Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
- : The committee(s) on WAL recommend(s) that the measure be deferred.
- : Bill scheduled to be heard by WAL on Thursday, 02-06-25 9:00AM in House conference room 411 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
- : Referred to WAL, JHA, referral sheet 4
- : Introduced and Pass First Reading.
Subjects: Report, Housing, Penalties, Disaster Recovery
Common questions
- What is HB1503?
- HB1503 is a bill in the Hawaii Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Relating to Disaster Recovery.
- What does HB1503 do?
- In its own words: A bill for an act relating to disaster recovery.
- What is the status of HB1503?
- Failed as of December 8, 2025. Latest action: Carried over to 2026 Regular Session. (December 8, 2025).
- Who sponsored HB1503?
- Elle Cochran (D, 14), with 5 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB1503?
- On the Hawaii Legislature website: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1503&year=2026
Source: official Hawaii record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.