Hawaii Senate Bill SR192

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

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

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

The resolution aims to facilitate a comprehensive analysis, involving multiple stakeholders, including the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the Department of Land and Natural Resources, and local authorities. By addressing the historical inadequacies in stream management, the study seeks to create a framework for more effective flood hazard mitigation and maintenance practices statewide, benefiting both public and private interests.

Summary

Senate Resolution 192 (SR192) requests an in-depth study of Waiahole Stream to identify jurisdictional obstacles affecting stream maintenance and to suggest improvements for flood hazard mitigation policies. The resolution emphasizes the importance of coordinated stream maintenance, considering that responsibility often falls on individual property owners with little collaboration. This lack of joint effort frequently results in poorly maintained streams that exacerbate flooding during rain events, such as the extensive overgrowth and siltation observed along Waiahole Stream.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding SR192 is constructive, with a recognition that coordinated efforts can enhance both environmental health and community safety. Stakeholders are likely to view the resolution favorably as it promotes collective action among various landowners and governmental entities to tackle flooding issues that directly impact local property and safety. The proactive nature of the resolution underlines an acknowledgment of past challenges and a commitment to implement better management practices.

Contention

While the resolution has positive backing, there might be contention surrounding the extent of government involvement in private property management and concerns about potential regulations emerging from the findings. Property owners may be apprehensive about additional governmental oversight affecting their rights. Key issues for discussion will likely involve determining how to balance individual responsibilities with collective management strategies without infringing on private ownership rights.