EIS System 1991

Abstract

The state's Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) system is a process by which physical and social environmental information concerning a proposed action is compiled so that these factors, along with traditional economic considerations, can be incorporated into government decision making. The various steps that make up the process require an expenditure in time and money that ultimately adds cost to a proposed action. The chief benefit of the EIS system is that it will yield better decisions and improve the quality of the physical, natural and social environment. However, a legitimate concern of policy-makers, and to a certain extent developers and the general public, is whether the present system is the best means of collecting and presenting environmental information. Periodic review and evaluation of the EIS system process is a means of addressing that concern. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the information gathering process created by the state's EIS law, chapter 343 HRS, and to make recommendations for improvements if needed.