HI
Hawaii Senate Bill SB2478
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
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Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SB2478

Introduced
1/22/26  
Refer
1/28/26  
Report Pass
2/20/26  

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

The passage of SB2478 would represent a historic shift in the legal framework surrounding environmental protection in Hawaii. By enshrining the right to a clean environment within the state constitution, it could provide a stronger legal basis for advocacy and enforcement of environmental protections. This constitutional guarantee may influence future legislation and litigations related to environmental issues, strengthening community voices in advocating for ecological sustainability. However, it raises questions regarding its implementation and enforcement mechanisms in practical scenarios.

Summary

SB2478 proposes a significant constitutional amendment intended to explicitly protect the inherent and inalienable rights of individuals to clean air and water, a healthful environment, and healthy ecosystems and beaches. This amendment underscores the importance of environmental rights, emphasizing that these rights shall be safeguarded and not infringed upon. If passed, the amendment would add a new section to Article I of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii, aiming to enshrine these rights for both present and future generations, effective from July 1, 2050.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB2478 appears largely positive among environmental advocates and organizations that view the amendment as a necessary step toward fostering a culture of environmental stewardship. Supporters argue that it provides a crucial framework for protecting natural resources and holding the government accountable for environmental practices. However, there is also concern from some sectors regarding potential implications for development and regulatory processes, suggesting a divide in public opinion based on environmental priorities versus developmental interests.

Contention

Notable points of contention include discussions on how the amendment might be interpreted and enforced in legal contests between economic development and environmental conservation. Some critics worry that the broad language surrounding environmental rights could lead to challenges in regulating development projects, while proponents assert that clear rights will enhance environmental protections. Additionally, the timeline for implementation has raised questions about how quickly and effectively these rights can be operationalized in current environmental policies.

Companion Bills

HI HB1932

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.