HI HB1657

Establishes a notice of preparation pilot program requiring the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to post notices at project sites before drafting environmental assessments or impact statements.

Requires notices to be posted in conspicuous locations at any site directly impacted by actions proposed by OHA alone or in partnership with state or county agencies that require environmental review under Hawaii law.

Notices must be posted at the earliest practicable time and include information about the proposed action, environmental review preparation, and how the public may provide comments.

A 30-day waiting period must pass after notice posting before OHA prepares an environmental assessment, unless OHA determines an environmental impact statement is likely required.

OHA must file copies of all notices with the Office of Environmental Quality Control and submit findings and recommendations to the legislature by November 2019 regarding the pilot program.