STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1423-24

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2024

 

RE:   H.C.R. No. 88

      H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Water & Land, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 88 entitled:

 

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING THE STATE OF HAWAII TO ADOPT A PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT, AND THE ELECTORATE TO RATIFY THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT, GUARANTEEING ALL INDIVIDUALS THE RIGHT TO A CLEAN AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to encourage the State of Hawaii to adopt a proposed constitutional amendment, and the electorate to ratify the proposed amendment, guaranteeing all individuals the right to a clean and healthy environment.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Green Party of Hawaiʻi; 350Hawaii.org; Greenpeace Hawaii; Kauai Climate Action Coalition; and numerous individuals.

 

     Your Committee finds that the proposal and ratification of an environmental rights amendment to the Hawaii State Constitution, as contemplated in this measure, is a potent symbol of the State's commitment to providing its residents with a healthy environment, a stable climate, clean air, and clean water.

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

 

     (1)  Including the right to a stable climate within the proposed constitutional amendment;

 

     (2)  Modifying its title to reflect its amended scope; and

 

     (3)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 88, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs in the form attached hereto as H.C.R. No. 88, H.D. 1.

 

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water & Land,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

LINDA ICHIYAMA, Chair