Bill > SB550

This bill aims to protect Hawaii's drinking water resources by establishing a Landfill Advisory Committee and implementing stricter regulations on waste disposal facilities. The bill creates a new committee within the Department of Health composed of representatives from various government agencies, counties, environmental organizations, and the business community. This committee will have the authority to review and approve or deny applications for municipal solid waste landfill units. The bill prohibits the siting, construction, modification, or expansion of waste or disposal facilities on land near or above drinking water aquifers, as determined by the Department of Health in consultation with county water supply departments. It requires the department to create and regularly update public maps of the state's drinking water aquifers. The bill also expands buffer zones for waste facilities from one-half mile to one mile and broadens the definition of buffer zones to include aquifers, hotels, tourist accommodations, and businesses. Additionally, the bill establishes penalties for violations, including the potential suspension or revocation of permits and remediation requirements. These provisions are designed to protect groundwater resources and prevent potential contamination of drinking water sources by carefully regulating the location and operation of waste disposal facilities.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=550&year=2025