HI SB1597

Establishes the Hawaii Environmental Protection Agency as a new cabinet-level agency headed by a director of environmental protection, who shall appoint a deputy director.

Transfers 17 environmental regulatory programs from the Department of Agriculture and Department of Health to the new agency, including pesticide control, air and water pollution, hazardous waste, solid waste management, and environmental quality oversight.

Requires the governor to designate a representative within 90 days to facilitate the transition and appoint a director of environmental protection within 180 days, with a transfer completion date no later than December 31, 2025.

Transfers all employees, assets, contracts, appropriations, and obligations related to the transferred functions to the new agency while preserving employee civil service status, seniority, and benefits.

Updates related statutes to replace references to the Department of Agriculture and Department of Health with the Hawaii Environmental Protection Agency and its director in relevant environmental laws.