Loading chat...

HI SB2478

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/22/2026

Primary Sponsor

Mike Gabbard

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Proposes amending Article I of the Hawaii State Constitution to establish environmental rights as inherent and inalienable for all people, including present and future generations

  • Protected rights would include clean water and air, a healthful environment and climate, healthy native ecosystems, and beaches

  • Reflects the Native Hawaiian principle of Aloha Aina ("love of the land") as central to the amendment's purpose

  • Would place a ballot question before voters asking whether the constitution should be amended to protect these environmental rights

  • Effective date set for July 1, 2050

Legislative Description

Proposing An Amendment To Article I Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Recognize And Protect The Inherent And Inalienable Right Of All People To Clean Water And Air, A Healthful Environment And Climate And Healthy Native Ecosystems And Beaches.

Constitutional Amendment

Last Action

Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to JDC/WAM.

2/20/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary2/20/2026
Agriculture and Environment1/28/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available