THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2889
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to water catchment systems.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that water is a vital resource for the people of Hawai‘i. Water catchment systems captures and stores rainwater from a roof for human consumption. Currently, only residential users of rain catchment systems are permitted to utilize water for everyday needs. Manufacturers are not permitted to use water collected through a catchment system to produce products for public consumption.

Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to require the department of health to regulate water catchment systems used for business activities and establish standards for filtration that would allow such water to be used for the manufacture or production of goods.

SECTION 2. Chapter 340E, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§340E-   Water catchment systems; business activities. (a) The department shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to regulate water catchment systems, including filtration quality of water catchment systems, used for business activities.

(b) The department shall allow business owners to participate in the department's annual testing of water program established under section 340E-4.8; provided that:

(1) The participating business owner shall pay $           for the tests and the department shall cover the remainder of the testing cost;

(2) The business owner shall utilize a certified private analytical laboratory specified by the department or the department may conduct the tests; and

(2) One set of tests a year for each registered business utilizing filtered water produced from a water catchment system may be requested.

(c) The department shall establish a nonregulatory program that provides technical assistance to business owners who wish to utilize filtered water from a water catchment system. To the extent practicable, the department shall assist the business owner by recommending practical, affordable, and safe methods to improve water quality and filtration based on the specific design and conditions of the water system."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Water Catchment; Filtration; Department of Health; Small Businesses

Description:

Requires the Department of Health to regulate water catchment systems and provide testing to businesses who utilize water catchment systems. Requires the department to provide technical assistance on water catchment systems and filtration to business owners who utilize captured water for business activities.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.