HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	909
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023		H.D. 1
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 two-year pilot program in the county of Maui to provide financial incentives to replace irrigated turf with water-wise landscaping.

SECTION 2. (a) There is established the water neutrality turf replacement pilot program in the county of Maui to provide financial incentives for individuals and entities to replace irrigated turf with water-wise landscaping.

(b) The county of Maui department of water supply shall administer the water neutrality turf replacement pilot program; provided that the county may contract with a nonprofit entity to administer the program.

(c) The county 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) The county of Maui department of water supply shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than November 1, 2025. The report shall include the following:

(1) Total square feet of landscaping replaced;

(2) Total estimated water savings;

(3) Total number of participating households;

(4) Total number of participating entities;

(5) Cost of the pilot program;

(6) Pilot program accomplishments and difficulties; and

(7) Any other relevant information.

(e) 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.

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 as a grant-in-aid to the county of Maui for the water neutrality turf replacement pilot program.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by county of Maui for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on June 30, 3000.

Report Title:

County of Maui; Water Conservation; Water Neutrality Turf Replacement; Grant-in-aid; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes a two-year water neutrality turf replacement pilot program in the county of Maui department of water supply to provide financial incentives to replace irrigated turf with turf or other plants that use less water. Requires a report to the legislature by 11/1/2025. Appropriates funds. Effective 6/30/3000. (HD1)

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