THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2127
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO WATER POLLUTION.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that climate change has led to increased frequency and magnitude of extreme rainfall in the State. In addition to the immediate damage caused by extreme rain events, the resulting groundwater can become polluted and carry silt and other debris into coastal waters. Pollution washed into coastal waters is particularly damaging to marine reefs, such as those off the coast of Kauai. In 2002 and 2018, runoff from extreme rains on Kauai devastated nearby reefs, which led to a twenty per cent reduction in the local fish population and a forty per cent reduction in the local sea urchin population. Similarly, Molokai's southern reef, which is the longest continuous fringing reef in the United States, has suffered extensive damage from runoff pollution in recent years.

The legislature further finds that damage from water runoff has been especially prevalent in areas where owners of large tracts of land use those lands for activities that destabilize the soil, causing a higher risk of runoff and resultant damage to surrounding resources.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish a water pollution working group to establish liability standards for water pollution runoff.

SECTION 2. (a) There is established a water pollution working group to research and explore the idea of establishing liability standards for water pollution runoff.

(b) The working group shall consist of the following members:

(1) The chairperson of the board of the land and natural resources, or the chairperson's designee, who shall serve as chairperson of the working group;

(2) One member of the senate appointed by the president of the senate;

(3) One member of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;

(4) One member from the department of agriculture and biosecurity;

(5) One member from the agribusiness development corporation;

(6) One member from the Hawaii Farm Bureau, to be invited by the chairperson; and

(7) One member from the Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc., to be invited by the chairperson.

(c) The working group shall report its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on January 30, 2050.

Report Title:

Department of Land and Natural Resources; Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity; Agribusiness Development Corporation; Water Pollution; Runoff; Working Group; Report

Description:

Establishes a water pollution working group to establish liability standards for water pollution runoffs. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 1/30/2050. (SD1)

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