Bill > SB617

This bill addresses environmental justice concerns by requiring public hearings for draft environmental impact statements (EIS) in communities directly affected by proposed actions. The legislation stems from findings that people of color, particularly in specific communities on Oahu like Ewa, Kapolei, Nanakuli, Makaha, Maili, Waianae, Kahuku, Laie, and Waimanalo, have been disproportionately impacted 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 include a public hearing conducted by the state office on the final day of the comment period, specifically within the community directly affected by the proposed project. The office is also required to develop rules to determine which community is directly affected and establish procedures for providing timely public notice of these hearings. The goal is to provide more meaningful community engagement and address environmental racism by ensuring local residents have a direct opportunity to provide input on projects that could potentially impact their environment and health.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=617&year=2026