THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2147
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO REUSE ZONES.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that water is a vital natural resource used to support the residents of Hawaii. As water resources across the State are finite, alternatives, including recycled water, may provide economic benefits and protection of public health while reducing the reliance on injection wells for the disposal of wastewater effluent. The use of R-1 water, a type of recycled water, may also encourage the use of recycled water for certain activities, including construction and irrigation.

Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to require nonpotable water users or developers of real property located within certain distances of a wastewater treatment plant to use R-1 water for nonpotable water usage.

SECTION 2. Chapter 342D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part IV to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§342D-   Reuse zones; nonpotable water; distance required. (a) Any nonpotable water users or developers of real property located within       miles of a wastewater treatment plant shall utilize R-1 water for nonpotable water usage.

(b) For purposes of this section, "R-1 water" means recycled water that is at all times oxidized, then filtered, and finally exposed to a disinfection process."

SECTION 3. In accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Hawaii State Constitution and sections 37-91 and 37-93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriations contained in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 to be exceeded by $           or       per cent. This current declaration takes into account general fund appropriations authorized for fiscal year 2024-2025 in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act only. The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that:

(1) The appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest; and

(2) The appropriation made in this Act meets the needs addressed by this Act.

SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the enforcement of R-1 water usage in areas within      miles of wastewater treatment plants pursuant to section 342D-  , Hawaii Revised Statutes.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the establishment of       full-time equivalent (     FTE) positions within the commission on water resource management to enforce the provisions of section 342D-  , Hawaii Revised Statutes.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 6. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 7. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Department of Land and Natural Resources; Commission on Water Resource Management; Reuse Zones; Recycled Water; R-1 Water; Distance; Expenditure Ceiling; Appropriations

Description:

Requires nonpotable water users and developers of real property located within a certain distance of wastewater treatment plants to use R-1 water. Makes appropriations.

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