Bill > SB617

This bill addresses environmental racism and lack of community input by requiring public hearings for draft environmental impact statements (EIS) in the communities directly affected by proposed projects. The legislature recognizes that communities of color, particularly on the west side of Oahu (including areas like Ewa, Kapolei, Nanakuli, and others) have been disproportionately burdened by environmental hazards and systematically excluded from decision-making processes. The bill amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 343 to mandate that each draft EIS subject to public review must also include a public hearing conducted by the state office on the final day of the comment period, within the community most directly impacted by the proposed action. The office is required to develop rules to determine which community is "directly affected" and to establish procedures for providing timely public notice of these hearings. The goal is to provide more meaningful community engagement and address environmental justice concerns by ensuring local residents have an opportunity to provide input on projects that may significantly impact their environment and health.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=617&year=2025