Hawaii Senate Bill SCR199

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/16/22
• Report Pass: 4/4/22
• Engrossed: 4/5/22
• Refer: 4/6/22

Caption

Requesting The Office Of Planning And Sustainable Development, In Consultation With The Department Of Land And Natural Resources Forestry And Wildlife Division, Commission On Water Resource Management, And City And County Of Honolulu, To Conduct A Study Of Waiahole Stream, Identify Jurisdictional Obstacles To Coordinated Stream Maintenance, And Offer Recommendations To Improve Stream Maintenance And Flood Hazard Mitigation Policies.

Impact

If enacted, SCR199 could lead to meaningful improvements in managing Hawaii's water resources, particularly in fostering collaboration between governmental entities and private landowners. Given that individual property owners bear the responsibility for stream maintenance along their respective sections, the lack of coordination often leads to poor stream functionality and increases risks of flooding during heavy rain events. By addressing these jurisdictional challenges, the bill aims to improve overall stream health and contribute to enhanced public safety through better flood management practices.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 199 (SCR199) is a legislative proposal from Hawaii that seeks to address the significant issues surrounding stream maintenance, specifically focusing on the Waiahole Stream. This resolution requests the collaboration of various public agencies, including the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and the Department of Land and Natural Resources, to conduct a comprehensive study. The aim is to identify jurisdictional obstacles that hinder coordinated maintenance efforts along the stream and to develop more effective flood hazard mitigation policies statewide.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment toward SCR199 appears to be positive among stakeholders who recognize the importance of coordinated efforts in environmental conservation and flood management. Proponents argue that by aligning the responsibilities of various landowners and agencies, the state can mitigate the detrimental impacts of flooding and siltation caused by unmanaged streams. However, there may also be concerns regarding how recommendations from the proposed study could affect individual property rights and responsibilities, weighing the local knowledge against broader state management goals.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the balance of power and responsibility among various stakeholders, particularly as it relates to the costs associated with stream maintenance and the implementation of recommendations from the study. Discussions might also address how the new policies affect existing landowners' rights and the potential for state overreach into local stewardship of natural resources. Thus, while SCR199 provides a roadmap for enhanced coordination, it may ignite debates over jurisdiction and control among private and public entities related to land use and environmental management.