HI HCR209

Hawaii State Judiciary is requested to establish and convene an environmental court task force in partnership with the Department of Health and Department of Land and Natural Resources to design a court system for adjudicating environmental law violations.

Environmental court task force membership shall include representatives from University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law, The Outdoor Circle, Keep the Hawaiian Islands Beautiful, and other parties deemed prudent by the Judiciary.

Task force is to address the current fragmentation of environmental disputes across multiple legal and administrative forums, which creates confusion and inconsistent application of environmental laws.

Hawaii State Judiciary must submit the task force's findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2015 Regular Session convenes.

Certified copies of the resolution shall be transmitted to the Chief Justice, Administrative Director of the Courts, and directors/leaders of the named departments and organizations.