Should the environmental provisions in the Constitution be strengthened to protect the unique biodiversity of our Islands for future generations?

[Peter Kay]

Inspired by "Time for a Tune Up", by Jon M. Van Dyke, Honolulu Advertiser, May 18

[Dan L.]

In my views, environmental regulations are more a matter of law than of constitution. I would prefer a constitutional statement that “protecting Hawai‘is unique biological and cultural heritage shall be a primary duty of the state” or some such thing, but leave actual law-making to the legislature.

[Rick M.]

I go along with Gov. Lingle. She has stated that the environmental law has to be rewritten to be more business-friendly.

We can do that in the ConCon but putting restrictions on all this EIS for this, EIS for that boondoggle.

[cashpoor]

I agree, about the Ag. I like finding positive solutions to problems, even though sometimes they take some discovery to come too. We are now in the age where band aid fixes won't help. But coming together like this we can. Protecting our islands biodiversity is something we owe to our grandchildren and humanity itself. Its the least we can do to say sorry for the messed up world we left them....

As far as your last comment goes, I just don't really understand what you are trying to say.
"maintaining a one state and nation", you mean protecting human liberties? or protecting America from Facism?

[jk]

I'd like to see some specifics about environmental protection in the State Constitution because the legislature is overly influenced by monied interests (big landowners and developers). If the Constitution mandated public financing of elections I might change my opinion.

[cashpoor]

We really need to have transparent campaign contributions for anyone in ANY elelction. "McCain" ....

Unfortunately you are right, but how else are you going to get elected right?
The problem is greed, these people have enough money to retire, but they aren't finished until they have ruined your retirement.

[Dan L.]

No, we can't, unless you're talking secession. EIS requirements are mostly Federal. (I know there are some state situations, but most environmental regulations come from the Feds.)

[Auhea]

We should strengthen it before someone suggest snakes good for rodent control. They may find cousins in government however.