HI HB2799

State agencies that monitor environmental toxins and pollutants must establish environmental action levels (EALs) consistent with best practices and recent scientific evidence to preserve a safe environment.

Any modifications to EALs require advance public notice, provision of scientific justifications, compliance with chapter 91 of Hawaii Revised Statutes, at least 30 days for public comment, and one or more public hearings.

State residents may petition agencies to modify established EALs, and agencies must respond to petitions according to chapter 91 procedures.

Previously, EALs have been increased by state agencies without public notice or scientific justification, potentially relaxing enforcement standards and increasing pollution risks.