HI HCR88

Encourages the State of Hawaii to adopt a proposed constitutional amendment guaranteeing all individuals the right to a clean and healthy environment and a stable climate.

Urges the electorate to ratify the proposed amendment once adopted by the state legislature.

Cites environmental challenges including water contamination from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility (affecting 90,000 residents), rising air temperatures (0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit increase), rising sea levels, ocean warming and acidification harming coral reefs, and decreased freshwater availability.

Notes that Native Hawaiian culture and traditional practices are intrinsically connected to environmental protection and sustainability.

References environmental rights amendments already adopted by Montana, New York, and Pennsylvania as models for Hawaii's consideration.