STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1258

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: S.B. No. 445

S.D. 2

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred S.B. No. 445, S.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO POLLUTION ABATEMENT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Increase civil penalties for the violation of various pollution provisions; and

(2) Establish and appropriate funds for one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) permanent environmental health specialist position within the Clean Water Branch of the Department of Health.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health, Hawai‘i Reef and Ocean Coalition, Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, and four individuals.

Your Committee finds that pollution poses a significant threat to human health, the health of Hawaii's ecosystems, and the drinking water supply. Your Committee further finds that financial deterrence is an essential tool against potential violators of environmental protection laws. This measure supports efforts by the Department of Health to better implement and enforce environmental laws in the State, ensuring the health of Hawaii's unique and critical ecosystems.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the effective date to June 30, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 445, S.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 445, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,

____________________________

NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair