Appropriates state matching funds for the Ala Wai trash trap cleanup project. (HB1536 HD1)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that, presently, the water from each passing storm washes an enormous volume of floating debris and trash into the Ala Wai canal. Much of this debris and trash collects in the "Ala Wai canal trash trap." After one winter storm, for example, contractors hauled thirteen truckloads of trash from the trap. Currently, less than ten per cent of the debris and trash that flows down the canal is actually removed from the water in the trap. The rest of the trash is backwashed out of the trap by the incoming tides and eventually ends up in the harbor and on Waikiki's beaches.

The department of health is working with a private contractor to automate the immediate removal of trash and debris from the Ala Wai canal trash trap. Federal matching funds of $200,000 have been awarded to the project. Additional funds in the amount of $210,026 are required to complete the project.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate state matching funds to complete the Ala Wai canal trash trap cleanup project.

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 as state matching funds for the Ala Wai canal trash trap cleanup project.

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.