THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

1480

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

Relating to the Environment.

 

 

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

 

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 28, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new part to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"Part     .  ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES UNIT

     §28-    Environmental Crimes Unit; establishment.  (a)  There is established within the department of the attorney general, an environmental crimes unit, which shall be a cooperative effort between the department of the attorney general and the department of health to investigate and prosecute crimes that pose substantial risks to the environment and public health.

     (b)  Crimes that shall be investigated and prosecuted by the environmental crimes unit shall include violations of various environmental laws, including laws relating to air and water quality, solid and hazardous waste, underground storage tanks, pesticides, and restricted or regulated chemicals; and related regulatory requirements."

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2023-2024 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the establishment and operation of the environmental crimes unit established pursuant to section 1 of this Act.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of the attorney general for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2023.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 

 

 

Report Title:

Environmental Crimes Unit; Department of the Attorney General; Department of Health; Appropriation

 

Description:

Establishes within the Department of the Attorney General, an Environmental Crimes Unit, which shall be a cooperative effort between the Department of the Attorney General and the Department of Health to investigate and prosecute crimes that pose substantial risks to the environment and public health.  Appropriates funds.

 

 

 

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