HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1212
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to water neutrality.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the concept of water neutrality was conceived at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa. While the definition of "water neutrality" has varied over the past twenty years, the term generally means a process that balances water use through reduced water usage and investment in projects that increase the supply of fresh water.

The purpose of this Act is to establish a task force to develop a plan for Hawaii to be water-neutral by the year 2050.

SECTION 2. (a) There is established within the department of health for administrative purposes the water neutrality task force.

(b) The task force shall create a plan for Hawaii to become water-neutral by the year 2050. The water neutrality plan shall include plans to:

(1) Reduce water usage;

(2) Increase water reuse and water recycling; and

(3) Increase the supply of fresh water.

(c) The task force shall consist of the following members or their designees:

(1) The deputy director for environmental health administration of the department of health, who shall serve as the chairperson of the task force;

(2) The chairperson of the board of land and natural resources;

(3) The chairperson of the board of agriculture;

(4) A member of the commission on water resource management, other than the chairperson of the board of land and natural resources;

(5) The chairperson of the house of representatives committee with subject matter purview over water and land; and

(6) The chairperson of the senate committee with subject matter purview over water and land.

(d) In addition to the members specified in subsection (c), the chairperson shall invite the following individuals to be members of the task force:

(1) A director-level representative from a county agency with permitting or implementation authority over water reuse in that county;

(2) A representative from a public agency with permitting or implementation authority over wastewater;

(3) A representative of the Fresh Water Council of Wai Maoli: Hawaii Fresh Water Initiative;

(4) The environmental program director of the Hawai`i Community Foundation, or the director's designee; and

(5) Any other individual whom the deputy director determines would provide a benefit to the task force.

(e) Private members of the task force shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for actual expenses, including travel expenses, incurred in the performance of their duties.

(f) The task force shall consider the recommendations made by the water reuse task force established pursuant to H.C.R. No. 86, S.D.1 (2018).

(g) The task force shall submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2024. The report shall include the water neutrality plan, findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation.

(h) The task force shall cease to exist on June 30, 2024.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Water Neutrality; DOH; Task Force; Plan

Description:

Establishes the water neutrality task force to develop a plan for Hawaii to become water-neutral by the year 2050. Requires the task force to submit a report to the Legislature.

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