STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3579

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.R. No. 156

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts, to which was referred S.R. No. 156 entitled:

"SENATE RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF MARCH 2026 AS MARCH4WATER MONTH IN HAWAII,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to designate the month of March 2026 as March4Water Month in the State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Plumbers and Fitters UA Local 675.

Your Committee finds that the State's water infrastructure will require significant investment in the coming years to preserve access to drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater resources for residents. Your Committee further finds that the month of March provides a unique opportunity to align local efforts with global movements, such as World Plumbing Day on March 11 and World Water Day on March 22, to highlight the sustainable management of freshwater resources worldwide. By aligning with other water-focused initiatives occurring annually in March, this measure's designation of March as March4Water Month will raise awareness about water conservation and spur investment in infrastructure vital for public well-being.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Designating the month of March every year, rather than March 2026, as March4Water Month in the State;

(2) Amending its title accordingly; and

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

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 156, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as S.R. No. 156, S.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts,

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CHRIS LEE, Chair