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SB2257
THE SENATE
S.B. NO.
2257
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING
TO VEGETATIVE BURNING
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
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SECTION 1.
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The
legislature finds that there is a connection between the protection of the
environment and public health.
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The most
significant health threat of commercial burning results from the inhalation of
fine particulates produced when wood and other organic materials burn.
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According to the United States Environmental
Protection Agency, exposure to fine particulate air pollution has been linked
with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, including but not limited to
asthma, chronic bronchitis, irregular heartbeat, heart attacks, and the risk of
death for individuals suffering from heart disease or lung disease.
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Studies have shown racial and ethnic
minorities have been found to be exposed at higher rates to air pollution based
on factors such as socioeconomic status, area of residence, occupation, and
neighborhood segregation.
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The legislature further finds that a 2020
study found that poor air quality and air pollution derived from human
activities lead to over one hundred thousand deaths in the United States during
a single year.
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Therefore, preventative
measures against air pollution may help save lives along with legislation to decrease
the concentration of fine air particulate pollution to lower the risk of
all-cause mortality.
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The purpose of this Act is to prohibit the
issuance of permits for commercial vegetative burning in residential
neighborhoods or within the vicinity of residential areas.
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SECTION 2.
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Chapter 342B, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new
section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
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�342B-
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Vegetative burning in residential
areas.
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The department shall
not issue permits for the commercial burning of green waste products within
residential areas or areas within one thousand feet of a residential property.
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This prohibition shall not apply to the
permitted roasting of coffee.
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SECTION 3.
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New statutory material is underscored.
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SECTION 4.
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This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
INTRODUCED BY:
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Report Title:
DOH; Air Pollution; Vegetative Burning; Green Waste;
Permits; Residential Areas
Description:
Prohibits the Department of Health from issuing permits
for commercial burning of green waste products in residential areas or within
one thousand feet of a residential property.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.