summary
Introduced
01/17/2025
01/17/2025
In Committee
03/06/2025
03/06/2025
Crossed Over
03/04/2025
03/04/2025
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Establishes a working group within the Office of the Governor for administrative purposes to ascertain the State's available water resources and water system source capacity and to streamline well permit approval processes to further plan for the development of affordable housing. Requires the working group to inventory all available water resources statewide and identify sources of aquifer replenishment in relation to affordable housing development. Requires an interim and final report to the Legislature. (SD2)
AI Summary
This bill addresses Hawaii's affordable housing shortage by establishing a working group within the Governor's Office to examine water resource availability and streamline well permit processes. The working group, composed of representatives from various state and county agencies including housing, water management, planning, and health departments, will conduct a comprehensive inventory of statewide water resources and identify ways to support affordable housing development. The group's key objectives include mitigating potential impacts of housing development, projecting water usage for future affordable housing projects, recommending water allocation rules for each county, defining the Commission on Water Resource Management's role, and exploring federal water source development obligations. The working group is required to submit an interim report by September 15, 2025, and a final report with findings and recommendations just before the 2026 legislative session, after which the group will be dissolved. The bill recognizes the state's constitutional obligation to protect and regulate water resources and aims to align water resource management with housing development needs by fostering cooperation between different government entities.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs
Sponsors (8)
Stanley Chang (D)*,
Lynn DeCoite (D)*,
Mike Gabbard (D)*,
Troy Hashimoto (D)*,
Dru Kanuha (D)*,
Michelle Kidani (D)*,
Karl Rhoads (D)*,
Tim Richards (D)*,
Last Action
The committee(s) on WAL recommend(s) that the measure be deferred. (on 03/11/2025)
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