Hawaii House Bill HCR131

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/14/22

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Establish A Task Force To Develop Plans, Strategies, And Recommendations For Statewide Flood Mitigation And Watershed Management Over The Next Century.

Impact

The establishment of the task force as outlined in HCR131 signifies a commitment by Hawaii's government to proactively manage flood risks and enhance watershed functionality. It focuses on creating sustainable strategies that can protect residents and property from the adverse effects of flooding, emphasizing the importance of watershed management in mitigating flood risks. This resolution seeks to align local and state efforts to enhance preparedness and resilience against future flooding events.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 131 (HCR131) aims to address the critical issue of flooding in Hawaii exacerbated by climate change. The resolution requests the establishment of a task force by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, dedicated to developing plans, strategies, and recommendations for statewide flood mitigation and effective watershed management over the next century. This proactive approach underscores the necessity for Hawaii to prepare for increasing flooding incidents and their potential impacts on lives and properties as climate change progresses.

Contention

While HCR131 positions itself as a proactive measure against flooding, discussions around the resolution may bring about varying perspectives on resource allocation and intervention strategies. Some stakeholders may contend that existing laws or frameworks could address flooding issues without the need for an additional task force, highlighting the ongoing debates surrounding government intervention in environmental management. Notably, the resolution also indicates that the task force is to be dissolved on June 30, 2023, which raises questions about the longevity and sustainability of the initiatives undertaken under its guidance.