STAND.
COM. REP. NO. 647
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 915
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 Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred H.B. No. 915, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WATER USE,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The
purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Authorize the Board of Agriculture to investigate and survey the availability of non-potable water;
(2) Authorize the Commission on Water Resource Management to require the use of dual line water supply systems in new residential and mixed-used developments located in designated water management areas; and
(3) Include residential and mixed-use developments in irrigation projects under certain conditions.
Your Committee finds that Hawaii's growing population and increasing development place significant pressure on the State's limited water resources, making conservation efforts critical for long-term sustainability. This measure takes a proactive approach to water management by authorizing the Board of Agriculture to investigate and survey the availability of non-potable water, allowing for better resource planning. Additionally, this measure empowers the Commission on Water Resource Management to require dual line water supply systems in new residential and mixed-use developments within designated water management areas, enhancing water conservation efforts while maintaining public health and safety for Hawaii's water resources.
Your Committee notes the concerns regarding whether the Department of Agriculture or the counties are better suited to provide irrigation services to certain residential and mixed-use developments with dual line water supply systems.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 915, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems,
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____________________________ KIRSTIN KAHALOA, Chair |
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