STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1945

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 588

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Housing and Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 588, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to require the State Sustainability Coordinator to complete a holistic and comprehensive study and plan for green infrastructure opportunities in the State and appropriate funds for the study and plan.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Planning, Oahu County Democrats, U.S. Green Building Council, and five individuals.

Your Committees find that the creation of green infrastructure plans at the state level can generate strategies to enhance and preserve the State's parks, agriculture, and coastal areas. State green infrastructure plans can also identify where the State can save on water management costs, decrease pollution, lower flooding risks, and address climate change. Your Committees further find that the State lacks a system to determine the most effective use of green infrastructure in Hawaii, essentially forfeiting valuable opportunities to cost effectively preserve the State's environment and improve the quality of life for residents. This measure will establish the foundation for green infrastructure plans in the State by requiring a holistic and comprehensive study and plan for green infrastructure opportunities in Hawaii.

Your Committees have amended this measure by inserting an effective date of July 1, 2150, to encourage further discussion.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Housing and Ways and Means that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 588, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 588, H.D. 1, S.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Housing and Ways and Means,

________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair

________________________________ STANLEY CHANG, Chair