STAND. COM. REP. NO. 727-20

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2020

RE: H.B. No. 2196

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 2196, H.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to protect groundwater and nearshore water quality and coral reefs by reducing nutrient pollution from wastewater disposal. Specifically, this measure:

(1) Requires onsite sewage disposal systems servicers to report multiple pump services within a year to the Department of Health;

(2) Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program, in collaboration with the Department of Health, to develop and conduct a two-year comprehensive statewide outreach program for responsible maintenance of individual wastewater disposal systems and options available for onsite sewage disposal upgrades;

(3) Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center, in collaboration with the Department of Health, to conduct research on the most cost-effective way to upgrade cesspools; and

(4) Appropriates funds for the Cesspool Conversion Working Group to compile an updated database of onsite sewage disposal systems statewide and report to the Department of Health and Legislature.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, Surfrider Oahu, Americans for Democratic Action, Wastewater Alternatives & Innovations, and two individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Health and Office of the Mayor of the County of Hawaii.

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. 2196, 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