HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.C.R. NO.	13
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE 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, Hawai i'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 Hawai i 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 Hawai i Explorations Academy on Hawai i 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 Hawai i'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 House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, the Senate 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.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

Report Title: 

DLNR; DOE; State Public Charter School Commission; Student Coral Stewardship Program; Coral Reefs; Sunscreen; Public Education; Reports