Bill Text: HI SB2121 | 2022 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Relating To Environmental Review.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2022-03-10 - Referred to EEP, JHA, FIN, referral sheet 24 [SB2121 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2022-SB2121-Introduced.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2121 |
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THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to environmental review.
BE IT
ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that vulnerable communities
and neighborhoods have been historically excluded, and systematically under-resourced,
resulting in socioeconomic disparities across Hawaii. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted these preexisting
vulnerabilities and conditions. In furtherance
of the Hawaii State Planning Act, the legislature recognizes the need to ensure
present and future generations' physical, social, and economic equity and well-being.
The legislature further finds that, as we prepare
for a post-COVID-19 era, and in conjunction with federal legislation and investments,
the rebuilding of our community shall not exacerbate conditions for disenfranchised
communities or neighborhoods.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to ensure
that agency decisionmakers assess the impact of proposed actions on socioeconomic
disparities as part of the environmental review process.
SECTION 2. Section 343-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:
1. By amending the definition of "significant effect" to read:
""Significant effect"
means the sum of effects on the quality of the environment, including actions
that irrevocably commit a natural resource, curtail the range of beneficial
uses of the environment, are contrary to the State's environmental policies or
long-term environmental goals as established by law, exacerbate socioeconomic
disparities, or adversely affect the economic welfare, social welfare, or
cultural practices of the community and State."
2. By adding a new definition to be appropriately inserted and to read:
""Socioeconomic disparities" means significant disparities in the relationship between race, socioeconomic status, and health. Socioeconomic status shall be measured by income, educational achievement, and occupation."
SECTION 3. This Act does not affect rights and duties
that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun
before its effective date.
SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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By Request |
Report Title:
Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Package; Environmental Review; Socioeconomic Disparities
Description:
Requires environmental impact statements to consider whether the proposed action will exacerbate socioeconomic disparities.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
