STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3748

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1728

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred H.B. No. 1728, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO RAINWATER CATCHMENT SYSTEMS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to require the Department of Health to:

(1) Allow for the installation and operation of rainwater catchment systems for potable and nonpotable uses on all properties; and

(2) Regulate and enforce standards for the use of rainwater catchment systems.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one member of the Kauaʻi County Council, Hawaiʻi Association of REALTORS, Housing Hawaiʻi's Future, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association International, Plumbers and Fitters UA Local 675, Waipā Foundation, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, and one individual.

Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of Health.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources

Your Committee finds that water infrastructure is a foundational component of housing production. In many areas, particularly neighbor islands and rural areas that lack access to centralized water systems, limited water availability can be a significant barrier to housing construction. This measure addresses this constraint by providing for alternative water-infrastructure models that facilitate the construction of housing in areas where traditional infrastructure may be unavailable or cost-prohibitive.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1728, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

________________________________

KARL RHOADS, Chair