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HI HB551

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/25/2021

Primary Sponsor

Nicole Lowen

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2021 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Proposes a constitutional amendment to Article I of Hawaii's Constitution guaranteeing each person the right to a clean and healthy environment, including pure water, clean air, healthy ecosystems, and a stable climate.

  • Establishes the environmental rights provision as self-executing and states these rights are on par with other protected inherent and inalienable rights.

  • Clarifies that the guaranteed environmental rights may not be diminished through interpretation or implementation of Article XI, Section 9 of the State Constitution.

  • Requires voter approval through ballot question asking if the state constitution should be amended to provide these environmental protections.

  • Takes effect July 1, 2050, upon compliance with Article XVII, Section 3 of the Hawaii Constitution.

Legislative Description

Proposing An Amendment To Article I Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Guarantee All Individuals The Right To Have A Clean And Healthy Environment.

Constitutional Amendment

Last Action

Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on JHA with Representative(s) Har voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Kong, McDermott, Okimoto, Ward voting no (4) and Representative(s) Eli, Gates, Hashimoto excused (3).

2/12/2021

Committee Referrals

Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs2/12/2021
Energy & Environmental Protection1/27/2021

Full Bill Text

No bill text available