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Bill

SB 559

Relating to: authorizing community solar programs and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Romaine Quinn and 2 co-sponsors

SB 559 aims to amend Hawaii's constitution to guarantee residents' rights to clean water, air, and a healthy environment, enhancing legal protections for public health.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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Bill Summary · SB 559

Summary of Senate Bill 559 (SB 559)

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 559 (SB 559) proposes an amendment to Article I of the Hawaii State Constitution. The primary aim of this bill is to recognize and protect the inherent and inalienable rights of all individuals to:
- Clean water and air
- A healthful environment and climate
- Healthy native ecosystems
- Access to beaches

This amendment seeks to enshrine these environmental rights within the state constitution, thereby enhancing legal protections for the environment and public health.

Key Provisions

The bill includes the following significant provisions:
- Constitutional Amendment: It proposes to add language to the state constitution that explicitly recognizes the rights to clean water, air, and a healthy environment.
- Environmental Protections: The amendment aims to strengthen the legal framework for environmental protection, potentially allowing citizens to challenge actions that threaten these rights in court.

Affected Parties

The proposed amendment would impact:
- Residents of Hawaii: All individuals living in Hawaii would benefit from enhanced environmental protections.
- Government Entities: State and local governments may face new obligations to ensure compliance with the constitutional rights established by this amendment.
- Environmental Organizations: Advocacy groups may gain additional legal standing to pursue environmental protection efforts.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: March 24, 2025
  • Committee Review: The bill was reported from the Agriculture and Environment Committee (AEN) with a recommendation for passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1), and was subsequently referred to the Judiciary and Ways and Means Committees (JDC/WAM).
  • Current Status: As of the latest update, the bill has been reported favorably and is progressing through the legislative process.

Conclusion

SB 559 represents a significant step towards enhancing environmental rights in Hawaii by proposing a constitutional amendment that recognizes the fundamental rights of individuals to a clean and healthy environment. If passed, it could lead to stronger legal protections for Hawaii's natural resources and public health, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of environmental stewardship.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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