HI HB2454

Requires public hearings in affected communities for each draft environmental assessment and draft environmental impact statement subject to public review under Hawaii Revised Statutes section 343-5.

Mandates hearings be conducted by the Office of Environmental Quality Control on the last day of the public review and comment period within communities directly affected by the proposed action.

Directs the Office to adopt administrative rules to determine what constitutes a "community directly affected by a proposed action" and establish procedures for timely public notice of hearings.

Addresses environmental racism by ensuring communities disproportionately impacted by projects (including landfills, industrial energy projects, and water access issues) have formal opportunities to be heard, particularly on Oahu's west side and other specified areas.

Takes effect upon approval with no retroactive application to rights, duties, or proceedings that existed before the effective date.