Hawaii Senate Bill SCR75

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/22
• Refer: 3/11/22
• Report Pass: 3/30/22
• Engrossed: 3/31/22
• Refer: 4/4/22

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Health To Prioritize Enforcement Of Water Pollution Regulations In Areas Where There Have Been Reports Of Runoff And Other Forms Of Water Pollution On Molokai.

Impact

The resolution highlights the impacts that extreme rainfall, exacerbated by climate change, has on groundwater pollution, which in turn poses threats to coastal marine environments. Historical events have illustrated these dangers, with runoff from excessive rains in 2002 and 2018 leading to substantial decreases in local fish and urchin populations near Kauai's reefs. SCR75 emphasizes the need for regulatory action to protect Molokai's southern reef, a vital natural resource, from similar damage caused by land use practices that destabilize the soil.

Summary

SCR75 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the Thirty-first Legislature of Hawaii, introduced during the 2022 Regular Session. The resolution requests the Department of Health to prioritize the enforcement of water pollution control regulations in areas affected by runoff and other forms of pollution specifically on the island of Molokai. The motivating factor behind this resolution is the increasing problems associated with climate change that have led to significant water pollution affecting marine ecosystems and local habitats.

Contention

While SCR75 seeks to enhance the enforcement of existing regulations, it invites potential contention regarding land use rights and the responsibilities of landowners. Although the resolution does not create new law or regulatory mandate, it does push for increased monitoring and compliance, which some might view as an infringement on agricultural or development activities on private lands. The balance between environmental protections and landowner freedoms could become a point of discussion as stakeholders weigh the trade-offs of such regulatory efforts.