HI SCR133

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 an appropriate court system for adjudicating environmental law violations.

Task force members should include representatives from the 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.

Environmental disputes are currently addressed in multiple legal and administrative forums, creating confusion and inconsistent application of complex environmental laws that would benefit from consolidation.

Task force is requested to submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the start of the 2015 Regular Session.

Report copies are to be transmitted to the Chief Justice, Administrative Director of the Courts, Director of Health, Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and representatives of participating organizations.