SB 3273 Summary

• Establishes a Department of Environmental Protection to be created by July 1, 2026, headed by a Board of Environmental Protection with seven members appointed by the governor, senate president, house speaker, and county councils.

• Adds the Department of Environmental Protection as a new principal department within Hawaii's state government structure under the governor's supervision.

• Creates a Department of Environmental Protection working group tasked with developing an organizational plan, implementation structure, funding recommendations, and transition procedures for the new department.

• Requires the working group to submit findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2025 regular session.

• Takes effect upon approval, with the establishment of the department and board effective July 1, 2026.