Bill > HB1120

This bill clarifies and expands the Department of Health's legal authority to prevent and address nuisances that could potentially harm public or environmental health. The legislation modifies existing Hawaii Revised Statutes to broaden the department's mandate, allowing it to examine and take action against a wide range of potential health hazards, including foul odors, gases, mosquito breeding sites, and other conditions that could be dangerous to health. The bill removes specific examples of nuisances (like methamphetamine labs and bird feeding-related filth) from the previous law and instead provides a more flexible framework for the department to identify and address potential health risks. The bill emphasizes the growing importance of addressing health threats in the context of climate change and recognizes that environmental conditions are closely linked to community health. By adding "prevention" to the title of the relevant legal section and expanding the language around the department's responsibilities, the bill gives the Department of Health broader discretion to proactively protect public and environmental health.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1120&year=2025