Coastal protection

Protecting and preserving our shorelines requires effective and strict integrated shoreline management policies that reach all islands statewide.

Presently, Kaua‘i proudly holds the strongest and most prudent shoreline setback for structures, 110 feet from the watermark during a full moon high tide.

DLNR officials, working in coordination with the UH Sea Grant Program, estimate the annual shoreline erosion rate at roughly one foot per year. Most homes are rated at a lifetime of 70 years, which under the current state standard setback of only 40 feet means they are likely to be threatened by erosion in coming decades. Though variances are available, our state would be wise to follow Kaua‘i’s lead on this issue and improve shoreline setback distances in all counties.

Research indicates that the water line will not recede anytime soon, in fact just the opposite is true. Rising sea levels are directly related to global warming and we have seen the negative effects that climate change has had on our beaches and vibrant marine life.

During my past 12 years of public service, I have been consistently committed to environmentally friendly legislation not only because we should tread more lightly on our planet, but also because I know our state’s economy is directly tied to the health of these natural resources. To keep our residents employed and our economy afloat, sound and assertive coastal management and environmental policy must be supported at all levels.

We have the scientific data and are creating real solutions to coastal issues. Now we need to get the community involved. Public participation is integral to creating comprehensive and effective legislation that meets the needs of landowners and residents.

Artificially hardening the shoreline with sandbags and seawalls is another approach that must be avoided whenever possible and in the long term cannot keep the water from our property. Stricter regulations based on solid research need to be put in place so that nature, not man, rightfully determines the contours of our coasts. Constructing walls or simply feigning ignorance cannot solve the problems of coastal management.

Maintaining adequate public access to public resource areas such as beaches and coastlines remains a challenge. Unfortunately some property owners seek to limit the public’s use of and access to our beaches and coastlines through aggressive irrigation and creative landscaping. Others seeking to keep the public out will erect fences, hire private security and put up “no trespassing” signs or other barriers to entry. The public and the state and county government must remain vigilant in protecting the public’s right to enter, but also must keep in mind the potential damage that too much human intervention may cause to rare and endangered species that frequent some areas.

As part of an effort to raise awareness of the near shore environment, I recently introduced a bill to the Senate floor last week that increases penalties for harming our endangered species. The shoreline is a meeting place of the land and sea, but it also represents a boundary between civilization and the wild.

Hawai‘i state coastal management policy must protect endangered species, provide public beach access, and include provisions to keep structures safe from rising seas. I’ve lived through two hurricanes on Kaua‘i and have seen their effects. Like many residents, I have hiked and camped on our coastlines and enjoyed the special balm they offer to the soul. These experiences have shaped my perspective and reinforced my commitment to supporting aggressive public policy initiatives that protect the coastline, the public’s right to enjoy it and the natural creatures that inhabit the same.

• Gary Hooser, a Democrat, represents Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau in the state Senate. He is the majority leader in the Legislature.