HI SB1597

Establishes the Hawaii Environmental Protection Agency as a new cabinet-level agency headed by a director of environmental protection and deputy director, effective upon approval.

Transfers 17 environmental regulatory programs from the Department of Agriculture and Department of Health to the new agency, including pesticides, solid waste, wastewater, drinking water, air/water pollution, hazardous waste, and environmental quality control (by December 31, 2025).

Transfers all related employees, assets, contracts, and appropriations from the Department of Agriculture and Department of Health to the Hawaii Environmental Protection Agency without loss of employee benefits or civil service status.

Adds the Hawaii Environmental Protection Agency as a principal department under the governor's supervision (increasing the cabinet from 19 to 20 departments) and updates the Invasive Species Council to include the new agency's director.

Provides that the Hawaii Environmental Protection Agency assumes all rights, duties, penalties, and liabilities related to the transferred programs after the transfer completion date, while the original departments retain responsibility for pre-transfer obligations.