STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3787

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1892

H.D. 2

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1892, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CESSPOOLS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to support the upgrade, conversion, or connection of certain cesspools in the State.

More specifically, this measure:

(1) Establishes distinct dates by which each cesspool in the State categorized as priority level 1 or 2 is upgraded, converted, or connected to a sewerage system;

(2) Authorizes the Director of Health to consult with the counties, nonprofit organizations, and wastewater industry professionals for certain public outreach and education activities; and

(3) Appropriates moneys to the Department of Health to:

(A) Retain qualified consultants to undertake certain public outreach and education activities; and

(B) Implement the cesspool compliance pilot grant project established pursuant to Act 153, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, including establishing full‑time equivalent engineer and accountant positions.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, University of Hawaii, Coral Reef Alliance, Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, Indivisible Hawaii, Public Access to Sunscreens, Surfrider Foundation, WAI: Wastewater Alternatives and Innovations, and four individuals.

Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Health and Hawaii REALTORS.

Your Committee finds that establishing distinct deadlines for higher‑risk cesspools, including those categorized as priority levels 1 or 2, will help to protect the State's coral reefs by minimizing nearshore water contamination.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1892, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

________________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair