HAR §11-200-14. General provisions

Chapter 343, HRS, directs that in both agency and applicant actions where statements are required, the preparing party shall prepare the EIS, submit it for review and comments, and revise it, taking into account all critiques and responses. Consequently, the EIS process involves more than the preparation of a document; it involves the entire process of research, discussion, preparation of a statement, and review. The EIS process shall involve at a minimum: identifying environmental concerns, obtaining various relevant data, conducting necessary studies, receiving public and agency input, evaluating alternatives, and proposing measures for avoiding, minimizing, rectifying or reducing adverse impacts. An EIS is meaningless without the conscientious application of the EIS process as a whole, and shall not be merely a self-serving recitation of benefits and a rationalization of the proposed action. Agencies shall ensure that statements are prepared at the earliest opportunity in the planning and decision-making process. This shall assure an early open forum for discussion of adverse effects and available alternatives, and that the decision-makers will be enlightened to any environmental consequences of the proposed action. [Eff 12/6/85; am and comp AUG 31 1996] (Auth: HRS §343-5, 343-6) (Imp: HRS §343-6)