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OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CONTROL


The Environmental Council

The Environmental Council, established under section 341-3, HRS, consists of 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 shall be 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
Representing
Term Expires
Katherine Puana Kealoha
Ex-Officio, Voting
 
David Atkin
Env. Planning / Oahu
June 30, 2011
Gill Berger
Retail Business / Oahu
June 30, 2011
David Bylund
Architecture / Oahu
June 30, 2011
Alvin Char
Military / Oahu
June 30, 2012
Pete Cooper
Solar Power / Oahu
June 30, 2009
Gail Grabowsky (Vice Chair)
Natural Science / Oahu
June 30, 2010
Robert Inouye
Engineering / Kauai
June 30, 2012
Robert King (Chair)
Engineering / Maui
June 30, 2012
Wade Lord
Real Estate / Kauai
June 30, 2011
Susan Matsushima
Agriculture / Oahu
June 30, 2012
John Richards
Ranching / Hawaii
June 30, 2012
Christopher Steele
Env. Compliance / Oahu
June 30, 2011
Mary Steiner
Non-Profit Env. Group / Oahu
June 30, 2011
James Sullivan Sustainability / Green Building / Oahu June 30, 2012

Council Meetings

Schedule - Council meetings are usually held the 2nd Wednesday of each month. 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:

  1. Operation, repairs, or maintenance of existing structures, equipment, or topographical features.

  2. Replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities.

  3. Construction and location of single, new, small facilities or structures.

  4. Minor alterations in the conditions of land, water, or vegetation.

  5. Basic data collection, research and experimental management.

  6. Construction or placement of minor structures accessory to existing facilities.

  7. Interior alterations.

  8. Demolition of structures except historic sites.

  9. Zoning variances except shoreline setback variances.

  10. Continuing administrative activities such as purchasing supplies.

  11. Acquisition of land and existing structures for the provision of affordable housing.

Guidelines for Preparing Exemptions

Exemption Lists by Department