Bill > HB1359

This bill establishes a comprehensive flood mitigation and assistance grant program administered by the Board of Land and Natural Resources to address persistent flooding issues in Hawaii's residential areas. The program has two main components: grants for drainage system maintenance and grants for individual homeowner flood mitigation. For drainage system grants, counties, homeowners' associations, or groups of property owners can apply for funds to clear drainage ditches, repair infrastructure, and construct new flood reduction systems, with priority given to areas with documented flooding history and public road accessibility. Homeowner grants will support individual flood mitigation measures like elevating homes, installing flood barriers, and improving landscaping to manage water runoff. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, comply with non-discrimination laws, and provide detailed reporting on funded projects. The board is also required to develop public education materials about flood prevention and submit annual reports to the legislature. The bill appropriates funding for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to implement the grant program, recognizing the growing challenges of flooding caused by aging infrastructure, poor drainage, and climate change-induced increased rainfall.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1359&year=2025