STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1521-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: S.B. No. 2046

S.D. 2

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 S.B. No. 2046, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require an owner or operator of an underground storage tank or tank system with a confirmed release to meet certain standards for the restoration of the environment.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from two individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Honolulu Board of Water Supply. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Department of Health; Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi; Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi; 350Hawaii.org; and three individuals.

Your Committee finds that the catastrophic November 2021 fuel leak from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility contaminated Oahu's precious supply of drinking water and caused severe harm to the health of nearby residents. This measure seeks to hold environmental polluters accountable and require cleanup of the environment after such incidents.

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 S.B. No. 2046, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and recommends that it 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