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Hawaii law

Environmental Laws in Hawaii.

Hawaii environmental law combines federal regulation with a substantial state body of statutes administered by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Department of Health, and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development. Core issues include coastal-zone management, water rights, native Hawaiian cultural and natural-resource protection, air and water quality, and permitting.

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Key Hawaii Statutes

Hawaii Environmental Impact Statements Law (HRS Chapter 343)HRS ch. 343

Hawaii’s HEPA requires environmental assessments and environmental impact statements for many government and development actions, driving a major share of Hawaii public-project litigation.

Hawaii Coastal Zone ManagementHRS ch. 205A

Hawaii’s Coastal Zone Management statute governs shoreline and coastal development, a key framework given the state’s geography.

State law

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Hawaii.

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