Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HB1932

Introduced
1/26/26  

Caption

Proposing An Amendment To Article I Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Recognize And Protect The Inherent And Inalienable Right Of All People To Clean Water And Air, A Healthful Environment And Climate And Healthy Native Ecosystems And Beaches.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1932 would formally integrate comprehensive environmental rights into the state's constitutional framework. This would create a legal foundation that could influence various state laws and policies concerning environmental protection and resource management. The amendment is expected to enhance the state's capacity to address issues related to climate change, pollution, and ecological degradation by making environmental rights a priority in legislative and regulatory processes.

Summary

House Bill 1932 proposes a significant amendment to Article I of the Hawaii State Constitution, aimed at recognizing and protecting the inherent and inalienable rights of all people to clean water and air, a healthful environment and climate, and healthy native ecosystems and beaches. This amendment is designed to reflect the cultural values of the Hawaiian people, particularly the concept of Aloha Aina, which translates to 'love of the land'. By recognizing these rights constitutionally, the bill aims to safeguard not only the current inhabitants of Hawaii but also future generations, reinforcing environmental protections and the sustainable management of natural resources.

Contention

While the bill is anticipated to garner support from environmental advocates and community organizations, it may face opposition from certain industries and stakeholders concerned about the implications of such constitutional protections. Critics may argue that the amendment could lead to increased regulations or hinder economic activities that rely on land and natural resources. The discussions surrounding the bill are likely to revolve around balancing environmental rights with economic interests, causing a significant debate among lawmakers, community members, and business representatives.

Companion Bills

HI SB2478

Same As Proposing An Amendment To Article I Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Recognize And Protect The Inherent And Inalienable Right Of All People To Clean Water And Air, A Healthful Environment And Climate And Healthy Native Ecosystems And Beaches.

Previously Filed As

HI SB559

Proposing An Amendment To Article I Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Recognize And Protect The Inherent And Inalienable Right Of All People To Clean Water And Air, A Healthful Environment And Climate, Healthy Native Ecosystems, And Beaches.

HI SB702

Proposing An Amendment To Article I Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Recognize And Protect The Inherent And Inalienable Right Of All People To Clean Water And Air, A Healthful Environment And Climate, Healthy Native Ecosystems, And Beaches.

HI HB597

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.

HI HCR48

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.

HI HR44

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.

HI HR124

Reaffirming The State's Obligation To Uphold The Constitutional Rights Of Its People By Recognizing The Critical Role Of Freshwater In Maintaining Healthy Nearshore Marine Ecosystems.

HI HCR128

Reaffirming The State's Obligation To Uphold The Constitutional Rights Of Its People By Recognizing The Critical Role Of Freshwater In Maintaining Healthy Nearshore Marine Ecosystems.

HI SB1284

Proposing An Amendment To Article 1, Section 5, Of The Hawaii Constitution Relating To Due Process And Equal Protection.

HI SB124

Proposing Amendments To Article Iv, Sections 4 And 6, Of The Hawaii State Constitution Regarding Reapportionment.

HI SB297

Proposing A Constitutional Amendment To The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Protect The Right To Reproductive Freedom.

Similar Bills

LA HB472

(Constitutional Amendment) Revises Article VII of the Constitution of La. (OR -$139,000,000 GF RV See Note)

NJ ACR123

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

NJ SCR75

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

NJ SCR43

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing Legislature to invalidate certain court decisions.

LA HB244

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for the election of constitutional convention delegates and vote requirements necessary for the adoption of a new constitution (RR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

LA HB678

(Constitutional Amendment) Modifies disposition of certain state revenues through repeal of the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund and deposits of certain revenue streams into the Budget Stabilization Fund (RRF INCREASE GF RV See Note)

LA HB473

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the application of state monies to the unfunded accrued liability of the Teachers' Retirement System of La. (EN DECREASE SD RV See Note)

HI SB1225

Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.