OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CONTROL
The Environmental Council
The Environmental Council, established under
section 341-3, HRS, consists of up to fifteen members appointed by the Governor
with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Director of the Office of
Environmental Quality Control serves as an ex-officio voting member of the
Council. Pursuant to section 341-6, HRS, the Council serves as a liaison
between the Director and the public on matters concerning ecology and environmental
quality.
The members are appointed to assure a broad and balanced
representation of educational, business, and environmentally relevant disciplines
and professions, such as natural and social sciences, humanities, architecture,
engineering, public health, and planning; educational and research institutions
with environmental competence; agriculture, real estate, visitor industry,
construction, media, and voluntary community and environmental groups, and
environmental consulting. The Council is attached to the Department of Health
for administrative purposes. Members elect their own Chairperson.
You may contact any council member at oeqc@doh.hawaii.gov or write to the Office of Environmental Quality Control,
235 South Beretania Street, Suite 702, Honolulu, HI 96813.
Council Members |
Term
Expires |
Gary Hooser, Director of OEQC |
ex-officio |
David Atkin |
June 30, 2011 |
Gill Berger |
June 30, 2011 |
Alvin Char |
June 30, 2012 |
Pete Cooper |
June 30, 2014 |
Robert Inouye |
June 30, 2012 |
Susan Matsushima |
June 30, 2012 |
John Richards |
June 30, 2012 |
Ian Sandison |
June 30, 2011 |
Christopher Steele |
June 30, 2011 |
Mary Steiner (Chair) |
June 30, 2011 |
| James Sullivan |
June 30, 2012 |
Council Meetings
Schedule - Council meetings are held infrequently. Click here for the Agendas
and Minutes.
Administrative Rules
Environmental Impact Statement Rules: procedural requirements for Agencies and Applicants as it
relates to environmental assessments and environmental impact statements
Chapter 11-200, HAR.
Environmental Council Rules of Practice and Procedure: specific duties and protocol for the conduct of meetings, rulemaking,
declaratory orders, hearing of appeals for Applicant non-orders and non-acceptances of EA's and EIS's
Chapter
11-201, HAR.
Annual Reports
The Council's Annual
Report includes recommendations to the Governor and Agency environmental goals and achievements.
Exemption Lists
Certain activities, deemed minor or routine by State or County agencies, may be declared
exempt from environmental review.
There are 11 classes of exempt actions under EIS rules. The exempt classes of actions are summarized as follows:
-
Operation, repairs, or maintenance of existing structures, equipment,
or topographical features.
-
Replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities.
-
Construction and location of single, new, small facilities or structures.
-
Minor alterations in the conditions of land, water, or vegetation.
-
Basic data collection, research and experimental management.
-
Construction or placement of minor structures accessory to existing
facilities.
-
Interior alterations.
-
Demolition of structures except historic sites.
-
Zoning variances except shoreline setback variances.
-
Continuing administrative activities such as purchasing supplies.
-
Acquisition of land and existing
structures for the provision of affordable housing.
Guidelines
for Preparing Exemptions
Exemption
Lists by Department
