Hawaii House Bill HCR135

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23
• Report Pass: 3/30/23
• Engrossed: 3/30/23
• Refer: 3/31/23

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Facility Maintenance Of The City And County Of Honolulu To Clean Certain Streams And Canals In Waipahu.

Impact

The resolution aims to enhance the safety and well-being of the public and the environment by ensuring proper maintenance of these water bodies. At present, a lack of maintenance has resulted in various complications, including increased siltation, flooding due to breaches, and impaired water flow. By requesting the cleaning of these waterways, HCR135 seeks not only to protect residential areas from potential flooding but also to provide a clean and safe environment for community members who utilize these local resources.

Summary

HCR135 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the Thirty-Second Legislature of Hawaii that requests the Department of Facility Maintenance of the City and County of Honolulu to address the maintenance of specific streams and canals in the Waipahu area. This resolution highlights the issues related to clogged and overgrown waterways that can lead to flooding and safety hazards during rain events. The resolution specifically identifies Waikele Stream, a canal adjacent to Bill Balfour Jr. Waipahu District Park at Paiwa Street, and a canal along Honowai Park and Honowai Elementary as areas needing immediate attention.

Contention

While this resolution is primarily a request, it underscores an ongoing concern that residents near these water bodies feel obliged to maintain them, even though such duties fall under the municipal government's responsibility. Addressing the maintenance issue may also foster a sense of community involvement; however, the dependence on local residents for maintenance raises questions about the adequacy of city resource allocation for public services and infrastructure in the Waipahu region.