STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2589

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 3363

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 3363 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT IMPROVEMENTS IN THE COUNTY OF HAWAII,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds to replace the water capturing system in the Hilo Water Treatment Plant, which captures recycled water, natural gases, and fertilizer for agricultural purposes.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii State Energy Office; County of Hawai‘i Office of the Mayor; Department of Environmental Management of the County of Hawai‘i; one member of the Hawai‘i County Council, United Public Workers, AFSCME Local 646, AFL-CIO; Recycle Hawaii; Big Island 'Reef Keepers' Association; Kupuna for the Mo‘opuna; Wastewater Alternatives & Innovations; Hawai‘i Reef and Ocean Coalition; Life of the Land; Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO; and twelve individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that the Hilo Waste Water Treatment plant is essential to the local community. However, the plant requires substantial upgrades and repairs to continue its productive and safe operations. This measure authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds for replacements at the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant to allow for the capture of valuable natural resources.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3363 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment,

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MIKE GABBARD, Chair