HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

909

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO WATER CONSERVATION.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that as an island state, Hawaii has limited access to natural fresh water and, unlike in other states, it is not economically feasible to ship in additional supplies when needed.  Competition for fresh water from development pressures and the impact of climate change require that Hawaii develop strategies for water conservation, recharging, and reuse to ensure fresh water supplies for current and future generations. 

     The legislature further finds that nearly half of the average single-family home's water consumption is used outside the home and that a ten foot by ten foot yard requires sixty-two gallons of water per day.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish a program to provide financial incentives to replace irrigated turf with water-wise landscaping.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 174C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding two new sections to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§174C-     Water neutrality turf replacement program.  (a)  There is established the water neutrality turf replacement program to provide financial incentives for individuals and entities to replace irrigated turf with water-wise landscaping.

     (b)  The commission shall administer the water neutrality turf replacement program; provided that the commission may contract with a nonprofit entity to administer the program or coordinate with another state entity or the counties to include financial incentives of the water neutrality turf replacement program with other state or county water saving incentives.

     (c)  The commission shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to administer the program; provided that the rules shall:

     (1)  Establish a limit on the amount of financial incentive a claimant may receive under the program;

     (2)  Require a claimant to demonstrate that the irrigated turf was replaced with water-wise landscaping; and

     (3)  Establish requirements to prevent abuse.

     (d)  For purposes of this section, "water-wise landscaping" means a water- and plant-management practice that emphasizes water conservation and focuses on using indigenous plants or other plants that require little or no irrigation.

     §174C-     Water neutrality turf replacement special fund.  (a)  There is established in the state treasury the water neutrality turf replacement special fund into which shall be deposited:

     (1)  Appropriations from the legislature;

     (2)  Gifts, donations, and grants from public agencies and private persons; and

     (3)  Moneys derived from interest, dividend, or other income from the above sources.

     (b)  Moneys in the water neutrality turf replacement special fund shall be used to implement the water neutrality turf replacement program, including promoting the program and providing financial incentives to program claimants."

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $         or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2023-2024 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for deposit into the water neutrality turf replacement special fund.

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the water neutrality turf replacement special fund the sum of $          or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2023-2024 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the water neutrality turf replacement program.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the commission on water resource management for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2023.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 

 

 

Report Title:

Commission on Water Resource Management; Water Conservation; Plants

 

Description:

Establishes the water neutrality turf replacement program to provide financial incentives to replace irrigated turf with turf or other plants that use less water.  Requires the Commission on Water Resource Management to administer the program.  Appropriates moneys.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.