STAND. COM. REP. NO. 769

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    S.B. No. 369

       S.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 369, S.D. 1, entitled:

 

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

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to minimize polluted runoff originating from failing wastewater systems in the State.

 

     More specifically, this measure:

 

     (1)  Establishes the time of transfer wastewater system inspection program in the Department of Health to oversee the inspection and repair of individual wastewater systems at the time of sale or transfer of ownership of certain residential real properties attached to the wastewater systems;

 

     (2)  Requires individual wastewater systems that fail inspection to be repaired or replaced within one year by the current or prospective property owner; and

 

     (3)  Requires that, prior to January 1, 2050, every cesspool in the State, with exceptions, be connected to a sewerage system or upgraded or converted to a wastewater system approved by the Department of Health, instead of a septic system or aerobic treatment unit system.

 

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Health, University of Hawaii, Friends of Hanauma Bay, Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, Surfrider Foundation, Wastewater Alternatives & Innovations, and two individuals.

 

     Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from Hawaii Association of REALTORS.

 

     Your Committee finds that the establishment of a time of transfer wastewater system inspection program will help to improve water quality in the State by decreasing the number of failing wastewater treatment systems.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 369, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

 

 

 

________________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair