Appropriates funds to the department of health for an upcountry Maui water system to mitigate health-related problems caused by microbial contamination of the water supply.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The discovery of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the drinking water system of upcountry Maui poses a serious health hazard to the residents of upcountry Maui. Many residents have experienced ailments that are attributed to the microbial contamination of their drinking water. Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause dermatitis, bacteremia, and infections of the urinary tract, respiratory system, soft tissues, bones and joints, and gastrointestinal tract.

Under chapter 340E, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the department of health may make grants when authorized and appropriated by the legislature for water treatment work projects to help mitigate contamination of the water supply and thereby reduce the number of illnesses or infections that may occur as a result of the contamination.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for a grant for necessary water treatment works to reduce the harm caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other microbes in the upcountry Maui drinking water system.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $         or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2005-2006 for plans and construction for a water treatment works project for upcountry Maui to diminish the health-related problems caused by microbial contamination of the water supply.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2005.