THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2352
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that because state construction projects in coastal areas are environmentally precarious, it is essential to take the impacts of projected sea level change into account during the planning stage in order to protect current infrastructure investments over time.

     The purpose of this Act is to make the impact of sea level change a consideration in any environmental assessment or environmental impact statement for a major infrastructure improvement project or major construction project proposed in any coastal lands.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 343, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§343-   Content of environmental assessments and environmental impact statements; coastal lands. (a)  Whenever any major infrastructure improvement project or major construction project is proposed in any coastal lands, as defined in section 171-151, any necessary environmental assessment or environmental impact statement shall include an analysis of the environmental impact of projected sea level rise or fall over the anticipated lifespan of the project.  The detailed analysis shall include a detailed scientifically-based methodology for evaluation of the project based on the best available information.

(b)  For purposes of this section, the office shall keep current its guidance documents concerning ecological and environmental problems of coastal lands.

(c)  As used in this section, "major" means any project having a projected completion cost exceeding $          ."

     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.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Coastal Lands; Environmental Assessment; Environmental Impact Statements

Description:

Requires any environmental assessments and environmental impact statements for any major infrastructure improvement project or major construction project in any coastal lands to include an analysis of the environmental impact of projected sea level rise or fall over the anticipated lifespan of the project.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.