HI HB1317

Creates the Hawaii Environmental Protection Agency as a new cabinet-level agency headed by a director of environmental protection, with a deputy director, to consolidate environmental management and regulatory functions currently scattered across multiple departments.

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

Establishes a transfer completion date no later than December 31, 2025, with the governor appointing a director within 180 days of the Act's effective date to facilitate orderly succession of jurisdiction, assets, contracts, and employee transfers.

Transfers all employees from the Department of Agriculture and Department of Health to the new agency with retention of civil service status, seniority, vacation and sick leave credits, and prior service credit without loss of salary or benefits.

Amends the Invasive Species Council to include the director of environmental protection as a member and replaces references to the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development with the Hawaii Environmental Protection Agency in environmental quality control statutes.