STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1184-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 1728

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

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

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require the counties to:

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

(2) Adopt rules or ordinances for the regulation and enforcement of rainwater catchment systems.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi Association of REALTORS; Grassroot Institute of Hawaii; International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials; American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association International; and three individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Mayor of the County of Maui. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Your Committee finds that limited water infrastructure across the State restricts housing growth, constrains land use planning, and increases pressure on existing county water systems. Your Committee further finds that many properties face barriers to using alternative water sources even when such sources could alleviate strain on public infrastructure and improve local water resilience. Your Committee believes that expanding the lawful use of rainwater catchment systems on all properties provides a practical and sustainable means to support development needs while strengthening statewide water self-sufficiency.

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

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair