HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.C.R. NO.	199
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

requesting the counties to enforce the conditions of permits issued for construction to minimize soil erosion and sediment run-off that may damage the State's reefs and nearshore waters.

WHEREAS, construction often involves removing vegetation, altering topography, and covering previously vegetated surfaces with impervious surfaces, including roads, driveways, and buildings; and

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

WHEREAS, during storm events, petroleum and other chemicals used at construction sites may also drain into the State's water supplies; and

WHEREAS, uncovered ground areas that do not have proper soil conservation measures in place pursuant to an applicable county code are causing run-off to enter near-shore ocean waters during heavy rain events; and

WHEREAS, numerous construction companies are allowed to continue to work under their permits, despite being in noncompliance and causing run-off to occur; and

WHEREAS, the effects of storms on, and erosion and sediment contributions from, construction sites significantly impact water quality throughout the State and may alter or destroy aquatic habitats and reefs; and

WHEREAS, state waters are a precious resource that provide sustenance to Hawaii's economy and are an integral element of Hawaii's culture and heritage; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirtieth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2020, the Senate concurring, that the counties are requested to enforce the conditions of permits issued 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 certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Mayor and Chairperson of the Council of each county; Director of Planning and Permitting for the City and County of Honolulu; and Directors of Planning for the counties of Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Counties; Permits; Enforcement; Run-Off