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Committees defer bill that shortens challenge window for environmental reviews after broad opposition
Summary
Lawmakers deferred HB1979 HD3 after testimony from conservation groups, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and energy and planning officials who warned a 30-day filing window and other changes could chill public-interest claims and not meaningfully speed projects.
Legislative chairs announced they would defer HB1979 HD3—legislation that shortens timelines for challenging environmental assessments and impact statements—after extended testimony from agencies, environmental groups and affected communities.
Mary Alice Evans, director of the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, told committees the HD3 is an improvement in some respects and that the amendment deleting a proposed restriction on attorney's fees makes the proposal more reasonable. “We're very happy with the changes made in the HD3,” Evans said, adding that the…
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