STAND. COM. REP. NO. 200-26

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 Water & Land, to which was referred H.B. No. 1728 entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Require all counties to 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; and

(2) Require the counties to regulate and enforce standards for the use of rainwater catchment systems.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi Association of REALTORS; Grassroot Institute of Hawaii; and two individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Your Committee finds that limited water infrastructure continues to be a major barrier to housing development across the State, especially on the Neighbor Islands. Your Committee further finds that allowing rainwater catchment systems for potable and non-potable uses on all properties is a practical way to supplement Hawaii's water supply.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing its effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1728, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1728, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water & Land,

____________________________

MARK J. HASHEM, Chair