Bill > SB1439

This bill clarifies and expands the Department of Health's legal authority to prevent and address nuisances that potentially threaten public or environmental health in Hawaii. Specifically, the bill updates existing law to explicitly include "prevention" in the title of the relevant legal section and broadens the department's mandate to examine, prevent, abate, destroy, or remove conditions that could be dangerous to health. The bill defines nuisances to include specific examples like toxic materials from methamphetamine production and odors/filth from feeding feral birds. The legislative findings emphasize that addressing health risks goes beyond responding to direct disease threats and includes mitigating environmental conditions that could impact community well-being, especially in the context of climate change. The changes are intended to provide the Department of Health with a clear and comprehensive legal framework to protect public and environmental health proactively. The bill will take effect immediately upon approval.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1439&year=2026