STAND. COM. REP. NO. 856

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2019

RE: H.B. No. 425

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 425, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WATER QUALITY MONITORING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to ensure the Department of Health has adequate staff to timely monitor water quality in the County of Hawaii by appropriating funds for one full-time position in the Clean Water Branch to conduct water quality assessments, investigate complaints, and enforce surface water regulations on the Island of Hawaii.

The Mayor of the County of Hawai‘i, Council Member representing District 9 of the Hawai‘i County Council, and Surfrider Foundation submitted testimony in support of this measure. The Department of Health offered comments on this measure.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 425, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

____________________________

SYLVIA LUKE, Chair