Bill > HB748

This bill modifies existing Hawaiian law regarding waste and disposal facilities by introducing two key changes: First, it prohibits the construction, modification, or expansion of any waste or disposal facility (including municipal solid waste landfill units and construction and demolition landfill units) on land located above a significant aquifer as determined by the Department of Health. Second, the bill reduces the required buffer zone around waste or disposal facilities from one-half mile to one-quarter mile. A buffer zone is defined as the distance between the edge of waste or waste activity and the nearest residential, school, or hospital property line. The bill specifically excludes individual, state-certified, non-industrial redemption centers from these regulations and does not affect the continued operation of existing, properly permitted waste facilities that do not require physical expansion. The new regulations will take effect on July 1, 2025, providing time for affected entities to prepare for the changes in permitting and facility placement requirements.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=748&year=2026