HI HB2334

Authorizes the Hawaii Department of Transportation to assume federal environmental review responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for highway, railroad, public transportation, and multimodal projects within the state

Enables the department to participate in the NEPA Assignment Program under 23 U.S.C. sections 326 and 327, allowing designation of categorical exclusions from environmental assessments or impact statements

Permits the department to enter memoranda of understanding with the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to take over federal environmental review duties

Provides a limited waiver of state sovereign immunity for lawsuits in federal court related to the assumed federal responsibilities, but only when a memorandum of understanding is in effect

Effective date set for July 1, 3000 (placeholder date indicating further legislative action needed)