STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2821

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2322

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2322, S.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to require and appropriate moneys for the Department of Health to continue testing water quality during brown water advisories under certain circumstances.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Health, Kihei Community Association, Surfrider Foundation, Windward Coalition, and numerous individuals.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that robust water testing and public notification during brown water advisories is important for public health and safety, enabling the beach-going public to have the necessary information to determine where it is safe to surf, swim, and play at the beach. Your Committee further finds that an expansion of the Hawaii Beach Monitoring Program will require additional work and resources, including up to $1,120,000 and nine additional full-time equivalent (9.0 FTE) positions.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2322, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair