STAND.
COM. REP. NO. 1437-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: S.B. No. 3154
S.D. 2
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred S.B. No. 3154, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Authorize the Department of Transportation to assume responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 for highway projects, as well as railroad, public transportation, or multimodal projects within the State, allowing streamlined environmental reviews; and
(2) Provide a limited waiver of sovereign immunity to comply with federal requirements.
Your Committee finds that the National Environmental Policy Act Assignment Program allows any qualified state department of transportation to assume federal environmental review responsibilities, while remaining accountable under environmental law. Your Committee further finds that enabling the Department of Transportation to assume environmental review responsibilities would streamline transportation projects. This measure encourages efficiency in the State's transportation sector while upholding environmental protections by authorizing the Department of Transportation to participate in the National Environmental Policy Act Assignment Program.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3154, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,
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____________________________ NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair |
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