DECLARING A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY RELATING TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND REQUESTING STATEWIDE COORDINATION TO IDENTIFY, PLAN FOR, AND CREATE CROSS-SECTOR SOLUTIONS TO STRENGTHEN HAWAII'S PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSE TO THE CLIMATE CRISIS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 8 co-sponsors

HR 182 declares a public health emergency in Hawaii due to climate change, urging coordinated efforts to enhance public health responses and mitigate health impacts.

Reported from HLT (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1879) as amended in HD 1, recommending adoption.

#climatechange #publichealthemergency

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HR 182
Title: Declaring a Public Health Emergency Relating to Climate Change and Requesting Statewide Coordination to Identify, Plan for, and Create Cross-Sector Solutions to Strengthen Hawaii's Public Health Response to the Climate Crisis
Status: Reported from HLT (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1879) as amended in HD 1, recommending adoption.
Introduced: January 03, 2025
Classification: Resolution
Subject: Climate Change, Public Health Emergency

Purpose and Intent

The primary aim of HR 182 is to declare a public health emergency in Hawaii due to the impacts of climate change. The resolution seeks to mobilize statewide efforts to identify, plan for, and implement cross-sector solutions that will enhance Hawaii's public health response to the ongoing climate crisis.

Key Provisions

Declaration of Emergency: The resolution formally recognizes the urgent need to address public health challenges posed by climate change.

Statewide Coordination: It calls for coordinated efforts among various state agencies and sectors to develop comprehensive strategies to mitigate the health impacts of climate change.

Cross-Sector Solutions: Emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches that involve health, environmental, and community sectors in addressing climate-related health issues.

Affected Parties

Public Health Officials: The resolution will impact health departments and officials tasked with responding to climate-related health emergencies.

State Agencies: Various state agencies will be involved in the coordination efforts, including those focused on health, environment, and emergency management.

Hawaii Residents: The general public will benefit from improved public health responses and strategies aimed at mitigating the health effects of climate change.

Legislative Timeline

January 03, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

March 07, 2025: Bill offered for consideration.

March 14, 2025: Referred to the committees on EEP and HLT.

March 20, 2025: EEP committee recommended the measure be passed unamended.

March 27, 2025: Report adopted and referred to HLT.

April 02, 2025: HLT committee recommended the measure be passed with amendments.

April 03, 2025: Resolution adopted in final form with amendments; voting results included some dissenting votes and excused members.

Conclusion

HR 182 represents a significant legislative effort to address the intersection of climate change and public health in Hawaii. By declaring a public health emergency and promoting coordinated responses, the resolution aims to enhance the state's preparedness and resilience against the health impacts of climate change.

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