THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	52
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

requesting the SEVERAL counties to reevaluate and, if necessary, update their best management practices for construction to minimize soil erosion and sediment run-off.

     WHEREAS, the construction process often involves the removal of vegetation, the alteration of topography, and the covering of previously vegetated surfaces with impervious cover such as roads, driveways, and buildings; and

     WHEREAS, these changes to the landscape may result in the erosion of soil and the sedimentation of water bodies as soil travels in water run-off; and

     WHEREAS, petroleum and other chemicals on construction sites may be included in the pollution that drains to water supplies during storm events; and

     WHEREAS, the effects of several storms on a particular project, and the erosion and sediment contributions from several projects, cumulatively have a significant effect on water quality and may alter or destroy aquatic habitats and reefs; and

     WHEREAS, state waters are a precious resource that provide sustenance to not only Hawaii's economy, but Hawaii's culture and heritage as well; and

     WHEREAS, best management practices are generally effective and involve practical methods of eliminating or reducing the discharge of pollutants from construction sites into state waters; and

     WHEREAS, a number of construction projects are meeting best management practices but are nevertheless creating run-off and polluting Hawaii's nearshore waters; and

     WHEREAS, the fact that run-off continues to pollute the State's nearshore waters even when best management practices are met indicates that the current best management practices should be reevaluated and strengthened; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-seventh Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2014, that the several counties are requested to reevaluate and, if necessary, update their best management practices for construction to minimize soil erosion and sediment run-off that may damage the State's reefs and nearshore waters; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the various counties are requested to consider best management practices for:

     (1)  Large scale projects;

     (2)  Projects on steep slopes;

     (3)  Grading and grubbing during winter months, which have increased potential for rain; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the counties are requested to consider the increasing severity of storms and the fact that current best management practices may have been developed when several counties were experiencing extended periods of drought; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that each county is requested to report its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2015; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Planning and Permitting for the City and County of Honolulu, Directors of Planning for the counties of Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai, and the Mayor and the Chairperson of the Council of each county.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Counties; Construction; BMPs; Erosion; Run-off; Nearshore Waters