Carlsmith Partner Puananionaona “Onaona” Thoene Helps to Modernize the State Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Rules

Over the course of two and a half years, Carlsmith partner Onaona Thoene, chair of the State Environmental Council, helped to update the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) rules. Among other changes, the new rules modernize the process, incorporate changes to the existing statutes, including considerations for sea level rise and greenhouse gas emissions, and clarify roles and responsibilities. 

“On behalf of the Council, I’d like to thank each member for their hard work over the past few years to complete the updated rules. Mahalo to Gov. Ige for his continued support throughout this process and for appointing such wonderful colleagues, whose diverse expertise and experiences contributed to a successful rulemaking process. The OEQC went above and beyond to support the Council in this effort,” said Thoene. 

Gov. Ige signed the new rules on July 30, 2019, and the rules took effect on August 9, 2019. 

Read more about the changes in this press release from Gov. Ige’s office.