HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1984

TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2018

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to water security.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the State is especially vulnerable to the impact of climate change.  According to a 2014 report by the University of Hawaii sea grant college program, entitled "Climate Change Impacts in Hawaii:  A summary of climate change and its impacts to Hawaii's ecosystems and communities", rainfall in the State has declined over the last thirty years while global sea levels have risen over the last century.

     The legislature further finds that climate change poses two primary threats to the State's freshwater supply: the intrusion of saltwater, and the change in rainfall frequency and intensity.  According to the 2014 report, it is projected that sea levels will continue to rise at an accelerated rate, "resulting in a 1‑3 foot (approximately 0.3-1 meter) rise, or more, by the end of the century."  These rising sea levels, coupled with the resulting coastal erosion, can inundate the land with saltwater, leading to contaminated freshwater that is unable to recharge.  Further, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, "a trend for decreasing precipitation has been observed" in the State while "projections suggest a small decrease in precipitation during the wet season and a small increase during the dry season."  When precipitation decreases on islands, freshwater becomes less available as ground and surface water supplies are less likely to be recharged.

     The purpose of this Act is to direct the commission on water resource management to conduct a study examining the current state of water resources in the State, potential alternative sources of water, and the future needs of water in the State.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The commission on water resource management shall conduct a study concerning water conservation, water security, and alternative sources of water for each of Hawaii's islands and each island's respective communities.

     (b)  In conducting the study, the commission shall consult with the United States Geological Survey, the Hawaii climate change mitigation and adaptation commission, the department of health, the public utilities commission, the office of planning, the state sustainability coordinator, and the water utilities of each of the counties.

     (c)  The study shall include, without limitation, a comprehensive review of the following:

     (1)  Issues relating to all water resources in the State;

     (2)  Studies quantifying water use, surface water resources, and groundwater resources;

     (3)  The total consumptive use of water by each county, calculated on the basis of gallons per capita per day;

     (4)  Alternative sources of water, including, without limitation, desalination of water; interbasin transfers of groundwater; conservation of water used for agricultural purposes; water conservation in urban areas; cloud seeding; water recharge opportunities in urban areas through the use of green infrastructure; and the reuse of water, including, without limitation, reclaiming wastewater, using gray water, and capturing rainwater; and

     (5)  Past water supply, present water use, and future water needs until the year 2050.

     (d)  The commission shall submit its findings, recommendations, and progress reports on actions taken to the legislature no later than December 31, 2019.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $500,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2018-2019 to carry out the purposes of this Act.

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

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2018.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 


 


 

Report Title:

Water Security Study; Climate Change; Appropriation

 

Description:

Directs the Commission on Water Resource Management to conduct a statewide water security study reviewing past water supply, present water use, and future water availability by 2050.  Makes an appropriation.

 

 

 

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