STAND. COM. REP. NO. 590

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.B. No. 734

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Water & Land, to which was referred H.B. No. 734, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WASTEWATER SYSTEMS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require and appropriate funds for the Department of Health, in consultation with various agencies and professionals, to review rules and practices and propose changes that have the potential to make wastewater systems and cesspool upgrades more affordable without compromising water quality.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health; Department of Hawaiian Home Lands; Hawaiʻi Reef and Ocean Coalition; The Nature Conservancy, Hawaiʻi and Palmyra; WAI: Wastewater Alternatives & Innovations; Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi; and three individuals.

Your Committee finds that cesspools in the State pose a significant threat to both the environment and public health. This measure aims to explore ways to make cesspool upgrades or conversions more affordable, all while tackling cesspool-related pollution and ensuring water quality is not compromised.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 734, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water & Land,

____________________________

MARK J. HASHEM, Chair