Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HCR13

Introduced
2/20/26  
Refer
3/10/26  
Report Pass
4/2/26  
Refer
4/2/26  
Report Pass
4/9/26  
Engrossed
4/9/26  

Caption

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.

Impact

The proposed Student Coral Stewardship Program is envisioned to educate students and the general public about the importance of reef-safe practices. It plans to promote the use of mineral-based sunscreens while fostering environmental stewardship among Hawaii's youth. The program is intended to empower students to take active roles in protection efforts, providing hands-on learning opportunities about coral ecosystems and the threats they face. Additionally, the program is expected to facilitate community engagement and awareness campaigns, enhancing the public’s understanding of how individual actions can impact coral health.

Summary

HCR13 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii that requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources to collaborate with the Department of Education and the State Public Charter School Commission to develop a Student Coral Stewardship Program. This initiative aims to address the protection of Hawaii's vulnerable coral reefs, which face threats from climate change, pollution, and harmful human activity, particularly from certain sunscreen chemicals known to contribute to coral bleaching. The resolution builds on previous efforts like Act 104, which restricted the sale of sunscreens containing harmful ingredients.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR13 appears to be largely positive, especially among educators and environmental advocates who appreciate the focus on student involvement in environmental issues. Supporters see the resolution as a progressive step towards bridging education and environmental activism, fostering a culture of responsibility and care for Hawaii’s natural resources among the younger generation. On the contrary, potential opposition could arise from stakeholders who may view this initiative as insufficient to tackle the broader policy changes needed for effective reef protection.

Contention

While there are no significant points of contention expressed in the provided text, the implementation of the Student Coral Stewardship Program could encounter challenges around funding, resources, and logistical support for schools. Additionally, ensuring widespread participation and understanding of reef-safe practices might require overcoming barriers such as lack of access or information regarding the options available. The resolution calls for a report to the legislature, which will assess the program's effectiveness and may prompt further legislative actions based on its findings.

Companion Bills

HI HR15

Same As 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.

HI SCR19

Same As 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.

Previously Filed As

HI HCR186

Requesting The Department Of Education, In Collaboration With The Department Of Health And State Public Charter School Commission, To Conduct A Study On The Practices Of Managing Heat Exposure In Department And Charter Schools To Protect Students' Health During Outdoor Activities.

HI HR179

Requesting The Department Of Education, In Collaboration With The Department Of Health And State Public Charter School Commission, To Conduct A Study On The Practices Of Managing Heat Exposure In Department And Charter Schools To Protect Students' Health During Outdoor Activities.

HI SCR114

Requesting The Department Of Education, In Collaboration With The Department Of Health And State Public Charter School Commission, To Conduct A Study On The Practices Of Managing Heat Exposure In Department And Charter Schools To Protect Students' Health During Outdoor Activities.

HI SR95

Requesting The Department Of Education, In Collaboration With The Department Of Health And State Public Charter School Commission, To Conduct A Study On The Practices Of Managing Heat Exposure In Department And Charter Schools To Protect Students' Health During Outdoor Activities.

HI HCR122

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Establish A Collaborative Working Group To Survey, Identify, And Monitor Culturally Sensitive Shorelines Impacted By Erosion.

HI HCR191

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene A Kailua Bay Advisory Working Group.

HI SCR72

Requesting The Department Of Education And Department Of Health To Update Vaccination Forms And Recordkeeping For Public School And Charter School Students.

HI HR118

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Establish A Collaborative Working Group To Survey, Identify, And Monitor Culturally Sensitive Shorelines Impacted By Erosion.

HI HCR98

Requesting The Department Of Human Resources Development To Establish The Hawaii State Fellows Program.

HI SR55

Requesting The Department Of Education And Department Of Health To Update Vaccination Forms And Recordkeeping For Public School And Charter School Students.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.