Report Title:

Hawaii State Planning Act; Sustainable Development

Description:

Incorporates the concepts of sustainable development and self-sustainability into the Hawaii State Planning Act.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1098

TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2005

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

RELATING to the hawaii state planning act.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. Section 226-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding two new definitions to be appropriately inserted and to read as follows:

""Self sustainability" means a society that is not dependent on outside resources to survive.

"Sustainable development" means development that maintains or enhances, or both, economic opportunity and individual and community well-being while protecting the environment and natural resources upon which the people of the state and the economy depend. Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

SECTION 2. Section 226-3, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"[[]§226-3[]] Overall theme. Hawaii's people, as both individuals and groups, generally accept and live by a number of principles or values which are an integral part of society. This concept is the unifying theme of the state plan. The following principles or values are established as the overall theme of the Hawaii state plan:

(1) Individual and family self-sufficiency refers to the rights of people to maintain as much self-reliance as possible. It is an expression of the value of independence, in other words, being able to freely pursue personal interests and goals. Self-sufficiency means that individuals and families can express and maintain their own self-interest so long as that self- interest does not adversely affect the general welfare. Individual freedom and individual achievement are possible only by reason of other people in society, the institutions, arrangements and customs that they maintain, and the rights and responsibilities that they sanction[.];

(2) Social and economic mobility refers to the right of individuals to choose and to have the opportunities for choice available to them. It is a corollary to self-sufficiency. Social and economic mobility means that opportunities and incentives are available for people to seek out their own levels of social and economic fulfillment[.];

(3) Community or social well-being is a value that encompasses many things. In essence, it refers to healthy social, economic, and physical environments that benefit the community as a whole. A sense of social responsibility, of caring for others and for the well-being of our [community] present and future communities, and of participating in social and political life, are important aspects of this concept. It further implies the aloha spirit--attitudes of tolerance, respect, cooperation, and unselfish giving, within which Hawaii's society can progress[.]; and

(4) Self-sustainability refers to the right of individuals to live in a society that is not dependent on resources, energy, or goods from outside the state. It also refers to the obligation of individuals to preserve and value the environment and natural resources and to live, work, and play in a way that meets present needs without jeopardizing the well-being of future generations.

One of the basic functions of our society is to enhance the ability of individuals and groups to pursue their goals freely, to satisfy basic needs, and to secure desired socio-economic levels. The elements of choice and mobility within society's legal framework are fundamental rights. Society's role is to encourage conditions within which individuals and groups can approach their desired levels of self-reliance and self-determination. This enables people to gain confidence and self-esteem; citizens contribute more when they possess such qualities in a free and open society.

Government promotes citizen freedom, self-reliance, self- determination, social and civic responsibility, and goals achievement by keeping order, by increasing cooperation among many diverse individuals and groups, and by fostering social and civic responsibilities that affect the general welfare[.] and the welfare of Hawaii's future generations. The greater the number and activities of individuals and groups, the more complex government's role becomes. The function of government, however, is to assist citizens in attaining their goals. Government provides for meaningful participation by the people in decision-making and for effective access to authority as well as an equitable sharing of benefits. Citizens have a responsibility to work with their government to contribute to society's improvement. They must also conduct their activities within an agreed-upon legal system that protects human rights."

SECTION 3. Section 226-4, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§226-4 State goals. [In order to] To guarantee, for present and future generations, those elements of choice and mobility that [insure] ensure that individuals and groups may approach their desired levels of self-reliance and self-determination, it shall be the goal of the State to achieve:

(1) A strong, viable economy[,] characterized by stability, diversity, [and] growth, and self-sustainability that enables the fulfillment of the needs and expectations of Hawaii's present and future generations[.];

(2) A desired physical environment[,] characterized by beauty, cleanliness, quiet, stable natural systems, and uniqueness[,] that enhances the mental and physical well-being of the people[.]; and

(3) Physical, social, and economic well-being[,] for individuals and families in Hawaii[,] that nourishes a sense of community responsibility, of caring, and of participation in community life."

SECTION 4. Section 226-6, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§226-6 Objectives and policies for the economy--in general. (a) Planning for the State's economy in general shall be directed toward achievement of the following objectives:

(1) Increased and diversified employment opportunities to achieve full employment, increased income and job choice, and improved living standards for Hawaii's people[.];

(2) A steadily growing and diversified economic base that is not overly dependent on a few industries, and includes the development and expansion of industries on the neighbor islands[.];

(3) An economy that:

(A) Is self-sustaining and not dependent on income, energy, or resources from outside the state; and

(B) Complements and preserves the culture, values, people, and natural environment that are invaluable and unique to the present and future generations.

(b) To achieve the general economic objectives, it shall be the policy of this State to:

(1) Expand Hawaii's national and international marketing, communication, and organizational ties, to increase the State's capacity to adjust to and capitalize upon economic changes and opportunities occurring outside the State[.];

(2) Promote Hawaii as an attractive market for environmentally and socially sound investment activities that benefit Hawaii's people[.];

(3) Seek broader outlets for new or expanded Hawaii business investments[.];

(4) Expand existing markets and penetrate new markets for Hawaii's products and services[.];

(5) Assure that the basic economic needs of Hawaii's people are maintained in the event of disruptions in overseas transportation[.];

(6) Strive to achieve a level of construction activity responsive to, and consistent with, state growth objectives[.];

(7) Encourage the formation of cooperatives and other favorable marketing arrangements at the local or regional level to assist Hawaii's small scale producers, manufacturers, and distributors[.];

(8) Encourage labor-intensive activities that are economically satisfying and which offer opportunities for upward mobility[.];

(9) Foster greater cooperation and coordination between the government and private sectors in developing Hawaii's employment and economic growth opportunities[.];

(10) Stimulate the development and expansion of economic activities which will benefit areas with substantial or expected employment problems[.];

(11) Maintain acceptable working conditions and standards for Hawaii's workers[.];

(12) Provide equal employment opportunities for all segments of Hawaii's population through affirmative action and nondiscrimination measures[.];

(13) Encourage businesses that have favorable financial multiplier effects within Hawaii's economy[.];

(14) Promote and protect intangible resources in Hawaii, such as scenic beauty and the aloha spirit, which are vital to a healthy economy[.];

(15) Increase effective communication between the educational community and the private sector to develop relevant curricula and training programs to meet future employment needs in general, and requirements of new, potential growth industries in particular[.];

(16) Foster a business climate in Hawaii--including attitudes, tax and regulatory policies, and financial and technical assistance programs--that is conducive to the expansion of existing enterprises and the creation and attraction of new business and industry[.]; and

(17) Encourage the incorporation of the principle of sustainable development in all decisions and policies relating to the economy."

SECTION 5. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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