Bill > HB2232

This bill establishes a new state law to preserve water quality, permitting, and aquatic resource protections that are at least as protective as the federal Clean Water Act (CWA) regulations and standards in effect as of January 1, 2026, ensuring these protections remain in place in Hawaii regardless of any future changes, repeals, or reductions to federal CWA rules. The bill aims to prevent gaps in environmental safeguards that could arise from federal actions narrowing the scope of waters protected under the CWA, such as wetlands and streams, and explicitly states that these preserved protections will apply to all state waters, including wetlands, streams (perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral), and groundwater, independent of federal delegation or approval. The Department of Health is tasked with administering and enforcing these protections, including issuing permits, monitoring compliance, and assessing penalties consistent with the CWA as of January 1, 2026, with the understanding that Hawaii retains the authority to enact even stricter protections.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2232&year=2026