HB 597: PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE I OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF HAWAII TO RECOGNIZE AND PROTECT THE INHERENT AND INALIENABLE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE TO CLEAN WATER AND AIR, A HEALTHFUL ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE, HEALTHY NATIVE ECOSYSTEMS, AND BEACHES.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Proposing an amendment to article I of the constitution of the state of hawaii to recognize and protect the inherent and inalienable right of THE people to clean water and air, a healthful environment and climate, healthy native ecosystems, and beaches.

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

     SECTION 1.  The purpose of this Act is to propose an amendment to article I of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii to recognize and protect the inherent and inalienable right of the people to clean water and air, a healthful environment and climate, healthy native ecosystems, and beaches, which shall not be infringed.

     This proposed amendment reflects the rooted traditions and collective cultural conscience of the State's people, and exemplifies the fundamental Native Hawaiian notion of Aloha Aina, which translates to "love of the land" and is central to Native Hawaiian values and beliefs.  The amendment will complement existing constitutional provisions and reinforce protections of human health, natural and cultural values, and the environment, all of which are essential to the sustenance of the State as well as the intrinsic beauty of its islands that attract admiration from persons all over the world.

     SECTION 2.  Article I of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS

     Section    .  The inherent and inalienable right of the people, including present and future generations, to clean water and air, a healthful environment and climate, healthy native ecosystems and beaches shall be protected and shall not be infringed."

     SECTION 3.  The question to be printed on the ballot shall be as follows:

     "Shall the Constitution of the State of Hawaii be amended to ensure the inherent and inalienable right of the people, including present and future generations, to clean water and air, a healthful environment and climate, healthy native ecosystems, and beaches shall be protected and shall not be infringed?"

     SECTION 4.  New constitutional material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This amendment shall take effect upon compliance with article XVII, section 3, of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii.

Report Title:

Constitutional Amendment; Environmental Protection

Description:

Proposes a constitutional amendment to ensure that the inherent and inalienable right of the people, including present and future generations, to clean water and air, a healthful environment and climate, healthy native ecosystems, and beaches shall be protected and shall not be infringed.

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