THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	508
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE ENVIRONMENT.

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

SECTION 1. (a) The department of health shall:

(1) Require that the clean water branch of the environmental management division continue to test water quality as part of its Hawaii beach monitoring program during brown water advisories, as practicable; provided that no water sample shall be collected by clean water branch personnel until hazardous conditions at affected beaches have subsided;

(2) Issue health advisories during brown water advisories that explain the health risks associated with water runoff, including making proactive efforts to communicate brown water advisories with the public; and

(3) Consider environmental justice issues in the assessment of use when considering usage and public health risk for the department's ranking of beaches for inclusion in Hawaii's beach monitoring program.

(b) The department of health shall adopt or amend its administrative rules in accordance with chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, as necessary to implement this section.

SECTION 2. 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       full-time equivalent positions (     FTE) for the purposes of this Act.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval; provided that section 2 shall take effect on July 1, 2023.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Department of Health; Environmental Management Division; Clean Water Branch; Hawaii Beach Monitoring Program; Environmental Justice; Brown Water Advisories; Beaches; Appropriation

Description:

Requires the Clean Water Branch to perform water quality testing during brown water advisories as practicable and inform the public of health risks associated with water runoff during brown water advisories. Requires the Department of Health to consider environmental justice issues when making certain assessments and determinations. Appropriates funds for positions within the Department of Health.

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