STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1279-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: S.B. No. 2322

S.D. 1

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health & Homelessness, to which was referred S.B. No. 2322, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WATER QUALITY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require the Department of Health to continue water sampling and analysis of Tier 1 beaches during brown water advisories, with certain exceptions and under certain conditions.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health; Surfrider Foundation, Hawaiʻi Region; Windward Coalition for Community Concerns; Sierra Club of Hawai‘i; Earthjustice; Friends of Maha‘ulepu; Hawaii Lifeguard Hui; Waiwaiola Waterkeepers Hawaiian Islands; Center for Biological Diversity; Kia‘i Wai O Wai‘ale‘ale; Polanui Hiu; Kaiola Canoe Club; West Maui Preservation Association; HAMER; Hui o He‘e Nalu; Friends of Hanauma Bay; Maui Tomorrow; Young Progressives Demanding Action Hawai‘i; Kihei Communication Association; Mālama Maunalua; The Makali‘i Group; Hawaii Wildlife Fund; HI Strikes Back; WAI: Wastewater Alternatives and Innovations; and four individuals.

Your Committee finds that the suspension of testing activities of all affected beaches during brown water advisories may lead to inaccurate or incomplete information about pollution levels and the health risks posed to the public by the affected beaches. Your Committee further finds that without testing during brown water events, the Department of Health will be unable to determine if the locations the Department is monitoring experience pollution spikes during heavy rains. Your Committee believes that continuing weekly testing of Tier 1 beaches during brown water advisories will give the State the data needed to effectively enact pollution mitigation efforts and make decisions in the best interests of public health and safety.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health & Homelessness that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2322, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health & Homelessness,

____________________________

DELLA AU BELATTI, Chair