STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1325

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: S.B. No. 428

S.D. 1

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Energy & Environmental Protection and Water & Land, to which was referred S.B. No. 428, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CESSPOOLS,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require each county to develop a comprehensive integrated wastewater management plan and financial strategy and submit its respective plan and financial strategy to the Legislature.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health, University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program and Water Resources Research Center, Hawai‘i Association of REALTORS, Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, Public Access to SunScreens, Ulupono Initiative, Hawai‘i Reef and Ocean Coalition, WAI: Wastewater Alternatives & Innovations, and four individuals. Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii.

Your Committees find that because thousands of cesspools will need to be converted by 2050, proper planning and administration across various stakeholders and governmental agencies are essential. This measure ensures that each county identifies its respective infrastructure requirements and improves planning and outreach efforts for conversions, upgrades, and connections.

Your Committees have amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the effective date to June 30, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Energy & Environmental Protection and Water & Land that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 428, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 428, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Energy & Environmental Protection and Water & Land,

____________________________ LINDA ICHIYAMA, Chair

____________________________ NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair