Bill > SB2262

This bill aims to strengthen regulations and enforcement against solid waste pollution by requiring the Department of Health to create a centralized system for the public to report pollution complaints, including a statewide online portal and hotline, and to establish standardized response times for counties. It also increases penalties for violations, with fines for general violations rising from $10,000 to $25,000 and for obstructing inspections from $500 to $10,000, and mandates that violators cover the full cost of pollution removal. Furthermore, the bill establishes a state-county illegal dumping task force to coordinate enforcement efforts and mandates quarterly meetings and annual joint enforcement operations targeting pollution hotspots, with the department responsible for publishing quarterly and annual reports on complaints, investigations, and enforcement actions. Penalties for felony disposal of solid waste are increased to a maximum of $50,000, with mandatory community service and potential vehicle forfeiture, and petty misdemeanor disposal penalties are significantly enhanced, including higher fines ($5,000-$10,000 for first offense, $10,000-$20,000 for second, and $25,000 for subsequent offenses), mandatory community service, and potential license revocation, with all collected fines and penalties generally going to an environmental response fund.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2262&year=2026