STAND. COM. REP. NO. 127

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2019

RE: H.B. No. 551

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 551 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CESSPOOLS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Extend the lapse date for funds appropriated to the University of Hawaii to conduct a comprehensive statewide study of sewage contamination in nearshore marine areas; and

(2) Extend the lapse date for funds appropriated to the Department of Health to conduct research or gather technical assistance relating to the Cesspool Conversion Working Group's comprehensive cesspool conversion plan.

The University of Hawai‘i Water Resources Research Center, County of Hawai‘i Department of Environmental Management, Coral Reef Alliance, One World One Water, O‘ahu County Committee on Legislative Priorities of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, Surfrider Foundation Hawaii Chapters, Surfrider Foundation Kauai, and a few individuals testified in support of this measure. The Department of Health supported the intent of this measure.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 551 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,

____________________________

NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair