|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1728 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
|
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to rainwater CATCHMENT systems.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that limited water infrastructure is a major barrier to new housing and sustainable land use in Hawaii. Many properties, whether connected or not to county water systems, face restrictions that prevent efficient water use or new development. Rainwater catchment systems offer a low-cost, sustainable way to supplement water supply for potable and non-potable uses. Allowing these systems across all zoning types can reduce strain on public infrastructure, support local self-sufficiency, and encourage responsible water management.
The purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Require the counties to allow for the installation and operation of rainwater catchment systems for potable and non-potable uses on all properties; and
(2) Authorize the counties to regulate and enforce standards for the use of rainwater catchment systems.
SECTION 2. Chapter 46, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§46- Regulation
of rainwater catchment systems. (a) Under the authority granted to the
counties under section 46‑1.5(13) and (14)(A)(ii), each county shall permit the installation and
operation of rainwater catchment systems for potable and non-potable uses on
all properties, regardless of whether the property is connected to a county
water system.
(b)
The counties shall adopt rules or ordinances for the regulation and
enforcement of rainwater catchment systems, which include safety, maintenance,
design, and backflow prevention standards to prevent contamination of any
public, county, or private water source.
(c)
Each county may require registration, inspection, or notification of
rainwater catchment systems where necessary to protect public health or water quality
but shall not unreasonably restrict or prohibit their use.
(d) As
used in this section:
"County water system" means any
public water infrastructure operated or regulated by a department or board of
water supply of the county.
"Rainwater catchment system" means
a system designed to collect and store rainwater from rooftops or other
surfaces for potable and non-potable use, including irrigation, toilet
flushing, cleaning, and landscape watering."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
|
INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
|
|
|
Report Title:
Counties; Rainwater Catchment Systems
Description:
Requires the counties to allow for the installation and operation of rainwater catchment systems for potable and non-potable uses on all properties. Authorizes the counties to regulate and enforce standards for the use of rainwater catchment systems.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.