STAND. COM. REP. NO. 591

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.B. No. 1495

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. 1495, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE KEAUHOU AQUIFER SYSTEM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Establish and appropriate funds for the Keauhou Aquifer System Monitoring Pilot Project within the Department of Land and Natural Resources; and

(2) Appropriate funds for the installation of two monitoring wells in the Keauhou Aquifer System.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation; Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority; Department of Water Supply of the County of Hawaiʻi; Chamber of Commerce Hawaii; Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce; and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that the Keauhou Aquifer System is a critical water source that supports local communities, ecosystems, and cultural traditions. However, the system faces significant challenges from rising water demand and potential overuse. Recognizing the importance of safeguarding these vital water resources, your Committee believes this measure will address these concerns by establishing a Keauhou Aquifer System Monitoring Pilot Project and allocating funds for the installation of two monitoring wells.

Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider the estimated cost of at least $3,000,000 per monitoring well.

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. 1495, 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