Bill > SB550

This bill aims to protect Hawaii's drinking water resources by establishing a Landfill Advisory Committee and implementing stricter regulations for waste disposal facilities. The bill creates a new committee within the Department of Health composed of representatives from various government agencies, environmental organizations, and the business community, which will have the authority to review and approve or deny applications for municipal solid waste landfill units. The legislation prohibits siting, constructing, modifying, or expanding 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. The bill expands buffer zones around waste facilities from one-half mile to one mile and requires the Department of Health to create and regularly update public maps of the state's drinking water aquifers. Additionally, the bill broadens the definition of "buffer zone" to include aquifers, hotel or tourist accommodations, and businesses, and establishes penalties for violations, such as permit suspension or revocation. The new regulations apply to various types of waste facilities, including municipal solid waste landfills, construction and demolition landfills, and facilities handling hazardous waste, with the ultimate goal of protecting Hawaii's critical water resources.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=550&year=2026