HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2732

TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2018

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to health.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Hawaii's coral reefs contribute approximately $800,000,000 to the State's economy annually.  The State's coral reefs are in decline due to a range of factors including pathogens, nutrients, cleaning chemicals, and hydrocarbons discharged from cesspools.

     The legislature further finds that the Hawaii division of aquatic resources has reported that the coral reefs at Puako in the county of Hawaii are in "dire straits."  Coral coverage at Puako has decreased thirty-five per cent and turf and macroalgae cover has increased thirty-eight per cent over the last thirty years.

     The purpose of this Act is to convene a study group at the department of health to develop a proposal for a pilot program to address the contamination relating to waste-water, cesspools, and shore waters in Puako.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The department of health shall convene the Puako shore waters study group to provide to the legislature:

     (1)  A proposal for a pilot program to be conducted by the department of health to address contamination relating to waste-water, cesspools, and shore waters at Puako; and

     (2)  Any proposed legislation for the purposes of supporting the proposed pilot program.

     (b)  The Puako shore waters study group shall consist of the following members:

     (1)  The director of health or the director's designee;

     (2)  The chair of the senate commerce, consumer protection, and health committee;

     (3)  The chair of the house of representatives health and human services committee;

     (4)  An individual representing the Coral Alliance;

     (5)  An individual from Puako Community Association; and

     (6)  The mayor of Hawaii county or a designee;

     (c)  The department of health shall provide research, clerical, and technical support for the study group.

     (d)  The Puako shore waters study group shall elect one of its members to serve as chair.

     (e)  Members of the Puako shore waters study group shall not be compensated but shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties by the department of health.

     (f)  No member shall be made subject to chapter 84, Hawaii Revised Statutes, solely because of that member's participation as a member of the Puako shore waters study group.

     (g)  The Puako shore waters study group shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2019.

     (h)  The Puako shore waters study group shall cease to exist on January 1, 2019.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 



 


 

Report Title:

Cesspools; Study Group; Pilot Program; Shore Water

 

Description:

Establishes a study group within the Department of Health to develop a pilot program to address contamination relating to waste-water, cesspools, and shore waters at Puako.

 

 

 

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