HB1932 • 2026

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.

Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor: POEPOE, AMATO, BELATTI, GRANDINETTI, HUSSEY, ILAGAN, IWAMOTO, KAHALOA, KUSCH, MARTEN, PERRUSO, Olds
Last action: 2026-01-28
Official status: Referred to EEP/WAL, JHA, FIN, referral sheet 3
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official material does not provide details on how the amendment will impact existing environmental laws or regulations.

Proposing a Constitutional Amendment to Protect Environmental Rights

This bill proposes an amendment to Hawaii's constitution to recognize the inherent and inalienable right of all people, including future generations, to clean water and air, a healthful environment and climate, and healthy native ecosystems and beaches.

What This Bill Does

Proposes adding a new section to Article I of the Hawaii State Constitution to protect environmental rights.
Defines these rights as including clean water and air, a healthful environment and climate, and healthy native ecosystems and beaches.
Ensures that these rights will be protected for present and future generations.

Who It Names or Affects

All people living in Hawaii
Future generations of Hawaiians

Terms To Know

inalienable right: A fundamental freedom or entitlement that cannot be taken away by the government.
environmental rights: Rights related to protecting and preserving natural resources such as water, air, land, and ecosystems.

Limits and Unknowns

The amendment needs approval from voters before it can be added to the constitution.
It is unclear how this amendment will affect existing environmental laws or regulations in Hawaii.

Bill History

2026-01-28 H
Referred to EEP/WAL, JHA, FIN, referral sheet 3
2026-01-26 H
Introduced and Pass First Reading.
2026-01-23 H
Pending introduction.

Official Summary Text

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.
Constitutional Amendment; Green Amendment; Environmental Protection (ConAm)
Proposes a constitutional amendment to ensure that the inherent and inalienable right of the people, including future generations, to clean water and air, a healthful environment and climate and healthy native ecosystems and beaches, shall be protected and shall not be infringed.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

HB1932

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1932

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

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
.

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 Hawaii State
Constitution to establish the constitutional right of the people, including
present and future generations, to clean water and air, a healthful environment
and climate, healthy native ecosystems, and beaches, that shall be protected
and 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 people all over the world.

����
SECTION 2.
�

Article 1 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 rights of the
people, including present and future generations, to clean water and air, a
healthful environment and climate and healthy native ecosystems and beaches,
shall be protected and shall not be infringed.
"

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SECTION 3.
�

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

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"Shall the Hawaii State Constitution
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 and 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.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Constitutional
Amendment; Green Amendment; Environmental Protection

Description:

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

The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.