Hawaii House Bill HCR48

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/5/25
• Refer: 3/14/25

Caption

Encouraging Future Legislatures To Pass A Proposed Constitutional Amendment, And The Electorate To Ratify The Proposed Amendment, Guaranteeing All Individuals The Right To A Clean And Healthy Environment And A Stable Climate.

Impact

The proposed amendment is significant as it aligns Hawaii with states like Montana, New York, and Pennsylvania, which have already adopted similar environmental rights amendments. If this amendment were to pass, it would involve a commitment to uphold and protect various environmental standards, ensuring access to clean air, water, and healthy ecosystems. This legal recognition of environmental rights would enhance both state and local efforts to address pressing environmental challenges, potentially leading to stronger regulations and initiatives aimed at protecting Hawaii's unique natural resources and cultural practices.

Summary

HCR48 is a House Concurrent Resolution introduced in the Hawaii Legislature that calls for future legislatures to consider a proposed constitutional amendment. This amendment aims to guarantee all individuals in Hawaii the right to a clean and healthy environment as well as a stable climate. The resolution underscores the urgent need for environmental protections, citing current issues such as air pollution, unsafe drinking water, and the impacts of climate change on Hawaii's ecosystems and cultural heritage.

Contention

While many legislators and environmental advocates support the resolution, there may be concerns regarding how such an amendment could affect existing laws and regulations. Opponents might argue that introducing constitutional guarantees could lead to legal challenges against businesses or government entities, complicating regulatory efforts. There could also be discussions about the scope of rights as it pertains to balancing economic development with environmental protections, sparking debate on how to effectively implement and enforce these rights while considering economic implications for the state.