HI HB1317

Creates a new Hawaii Environmental Protection Agency as a cabinet-level state department, headed by a director of environmental protection appointed by the governor within 180 days.

Transfers 17 environmental regulatory programs from the Department of Agriculture and Department of Health to the new agency, including pesticides, solid waste, air/water pollution, hazardous waste, safe drinking water, and environmental quality control.

Establishes a transfer completion date no later than December 31, 2025, with the governor designating a representative within 90 days to manage the orderly transition of jurisdiction, assets, employees, contracts, and liabilities.

Requires state agencies to enter into memoranda of understanding to provide administrative support, assist with human resources and accounting systems, and transfer all appropriations, records, and equipment related to the transferred functions.

Preserves employee civil service status, seniority, benefits, and leave credits during the transfer, and maintains all existing contracts, rules, permits, and agreements in force until amended by the new agency.