Bill > SB836

This bill establishes a Business Activity Water Catchment System Working Group within the Department of Health to explore the potential for businesses to use filtered rainwater for commercial purposes. The working group will investigate the feasibility of allowing businesses to utilize water catchment systems, including identifying which types of businesses might best implement such systems, developing a testing program to ensure water safety, and determining how to comply with plumbing codes. The group will consist of members from the state legislature, county water departments, and public representatives, and will be tasked with reporting their findings to the legislature before the 2027 regular session. Currently, Hawaii law only permits water catchment systems for personal use, and this bill aims to address water scarcity issues by exploring innovative water conservation methods. The legislature recognizes the state's ongoing potable water challenges, particularly in rural areas, and sees water catchment systems as a potential solution to supplement existing water infrastructure. The working group will be dissolved on June 30, 2027, and funds will be appropriated to hire a facilitator to support their work. The bill is set to take effect on December 31, 2050, providing a long-term approach to addressing water resource management in Hawaii.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=836&year=2026