Bill > SB2689

This bill amends existing law, specifically section 46-11.7 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, which was enacted to regulate stormwater detention and retention systems for public safety. The bill's main purpose is to exempt certain types of stormwater management features from these regulations to encourage their use. It defines "agricultural pond" as a pond primarily used for agricultural purposes like water storage, irrigation, or livestock watering, even if it incidentally receives stormwater, as long as stormwater management isn't its main function. It also defines "low-risk green stormwater infrastructure" as systems like rain gardens or vegetated swales designed for stormwater infiltration, evapotranspiration, filtration, or water quality treatment, with specific limitations on how quickly they drain and how deep the water can get. The bill also clarifies that retention ponds on golf courses, hotels, resorts, or other secured recreational areas are still subject to regulation, provided the owners can prove adequate security measures.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2689&year=2026