Understanding When an Environmental Assessment is Required in Hawaii

If you are a landowner, nonprofit organization, or anyone planning to do a project on land in Hawaiʻi, you may need to complete an Environmental Assessment (EA) under Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 343.

An Environmental Assessment is required when a project may have an impact on the environment and involves certain types of land use or government involvement.

Projects in Hawaiʻi’s Conservation District, including agricultural uses like kalo farming, may trigger environmental review under HRS Chapter 343.

Common Situations That Trigger an Environmental Assessment

Under HRS §343-5, an Environmental Assessment may be required if a project:

1. Uses state or county land or funding

   Projects that receive government funding or occur on government land often require an EA.

2. Occurs in the Conservation District

   Find out if your project is located in the Conservation District here.

3. Is within the shoreline area

   Activities near the shoreline may trigger environmental review because of potential impacts to coastal resources.

4. Occurs at a historic site

   Projects affecting properties listed on the State or National Historic Register may require an EA.

5. Proposes certain major facilities

   Some large infrastructure projects such as landfills, power plants, waste-to-energy facilities, or wastewater treatment plants can trigger environmental review.

These are some of the most common triggers, but each project is unique and may require case-by-case review.

How the Environmental Assessment Process Works

The Environmental Assessment process in Hawaiʻi generally follows a few key steps:

1. Prepare a Draft Environmental Assessment

   The project applicant or agency prepares a document describing the project, existing conditions, potential environmental impacts, and possible alternatives.

   
   

2. Public Review and Comment

   The Draft EA is published in the Environmental Notice, and the public typically has 30 days to review and submit comments.

   
   

3. Respond to Comments

   Comments from agencies, organizations, and community members are reviewed and addressed.

   
   

4. Final Environmental Assessment

   A Final EA is prepared that includes responses to comments and any updates to the analysis.

   
   

5. Agency Determination

   The reviewing agency determines whether the project will have significant impacts. If impacts are not significant, the agency issues a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). If significant impacts may occur, a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required.

Planning a Project in Hawaiʻi?

If you're considering a project and are unsure whether an Environmental Assessment may be required, Kuahine Consulting can help evaluate your project and guide you through Hawaiʻi’s environmental review and permitting process.

Contact us to discuss your project.