AFFIRMING THE IMPORTANCE OF MARINE ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION TO ACHIEVE THE STATE'S DECARBONIZATION GOALS.

This Senate Resolution (SR 96) affirms Hawaii's commitment to prioritizing marine ecosystem restoration as a strategy to meet state climate goals, including achieving 100% renewable energy by 2045 and reducing emissions 50% below 2005 levels by 2030. It specifically calls for strengthening carbon accounting methods to better measure emissions reductions from marine restoration projects and supports aligning such projects with renewable energy and conservation initiatives. The resolution directs state agencies (including the Board of Land and Natural Resources and Energy Office) to advance these efforts but does not create new laws or funding. It addresses statewide climate vulnerabilities, such as coastal flooding risks threatening infrastructure, cultural sites, and $19 billion in economic assets. As a procedural resolution, it serves as a policy statement rather than a binding mandate.