HRS §205A-21
Why shoreline development needs special rules
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗This section explains why Hawaii has special rules for building near the shore. It says these rules are needed to protect valuable natural resources, keep public access to beaches and recreation areas, and preserve the coastal zone. The state wants to protect and restore these areas.
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The statute, as written — Findings and purposes
A copy, taken August 20, 2026. The version published by the Legislature is the one that governs, and it may have changed since. Check it before relying on anything here.
The legislature finds that, 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, by dedication or other means, to public owned or used beaches, recreation areas, and natural reserves is provided. The legislature finds and declares that it is the state policy to preserve, protect, and where possible, to restore the natural resources of the coastal zone of Hawaii.
LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.