WHEREAS, stewardship of Hawaii's water resources is at the heart of native culture and critical to survival on these islands in the midst of the Pacific Ocean; and

WHEREAS, since ancient times, the use and maintenance of Hawaii's fresh water resources has been strictly governed to ensure the sustainability of this finite resource; and

WHEREAS, in order to protect and preserve Hawaii's water resources now and in the future, we must continue to respect and properly manage our fresh water resources; and

WHEREAS, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, in an effort to promote water conservation on Oahu, has adopted rules requiring restaurants to serve water only upon request; and

WHEREAS, this initiative by the Honolulu Board of Water Supply not only allows Oahu restaurants to save water by eliminating unconsumed glasses of water, but also fosters a conservation ethic and awareness among Oahu consumers; and

WHEREAS, by embracing policies similar to those of the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, the remaining counties of the State could cultivate conservation awareness, enhance statewide water conservation efforts, and help to ensure the most efficient use of Hawaii's precious fresh water resources; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2003, that the Water Board for the County of Hawaii, the Board of Water Supply for the County of Kauai, and the Board of Water Supply for the County of Maui are requested to promote water conservation by adopting rules, in their respective counties, to require restaurants to serve water only upon request; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the mayors of the respective counties and to the Chairperson of the Water Board for the County of Hawaii, the Chairperson for the Board of Water Supply for the County of Kauai, and the Chairperson of the Board of Water Supply for the County of Maui.

Report Title:

Water Conservation; Restaurants; Water Upon Request