STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1920

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 551

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, 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 and intent of this measure is to ensure the availability of funds to address issues relating to cesspools.

Specifically, this measure extends to June 30, 2020, the lapse date for funds appropriated by Act 132, Session Laws of Hawaii 2018, to the:

(1) University of Hawaii to conduct a comprehensive statewide study of sewage contamination in nearshore marine areas; and

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

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Health; University of Hawaii; One World One Water, LLC; and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that due to the health risks posed by contaminated water from cesspools, it is appropriate to grant the University of Hawaii and Department of Health additional time to complete their respective tasks under Act 132, Session Laws of Hawaii 2018.

Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, to facilitate further discussion on the measure.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 551, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 551, S.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair