Notwithstanding section 342B-13, at least thirty days before a consent order or settlement agreement of any kind under this chapter to which the director or the State is a party is final or filed with [an] environmental court, the director shall provide public notice and an opportunity for the public to comment. The director shall promptly consider any written comments and may withdraw or withhold consent to the proposed order or agreement if the comments disclose facts or considerations which indicate that the consent is inappropriate, improper, inadequate, or inconsistent with the requirements of this chapter. Nothing in this section shall apply to civil or criminal penalties under this chapter.
HRS § 342B-55