Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SB510 Compare Versions

Only one version of the bill is available at this time.

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1	1	THE SENATE S.B. NO. 510 THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023 STATE OF HAWAII A BILL FOR AN ACT relating to infrastructure. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
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3	3	THE SENATE S.B. NO. 510
4	4	THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
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9	9	S.B. NO.
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13	13	THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
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17	17	STATE OF HAWAII
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31	31	A BILL FOR AN ACT
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37	37	relating to infrastructure.
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43	43	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
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47	47	SECTION 1. The legislature finds that dams and reservoirs are a critical part of the State's infrastructure, providing numerous benefits that local communities depend upon. In addition to storing and delivering a reliable source of water for agriculture during dry periods, assisting with flood control during large storms, and helping to mitigate erosion and reduce sediment runoff to near shore ocean reefs, dams and reservoirs also play an important role in providing drinking water for Hawaii's residents. The legislature further finds that the continued availability and operation of dams and reservoirs is extremely important in sustaining water resources and enhancing public safety. By capturing storm water that would otherwise rush to the ocean, reservoirs help to recharge groundwater aquifers, which are a primary source for much of Hawaii's drinking water. Providing renewable energy through the use of hydropower is another significant community benefit derived from dams and reservoirs. The purpose of this Act is to establish a dam and reservoir working group to ensure and enhance the continued availability and operation of dams and reservoirs in the State of Hawaii. SECTION 2. (a) There is established a dam and reservoir working group, to be placed within the department of land and natural resources for administrative purposes only. (b) Without regard to section 26-34, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the dam and reservoir working group shall consist of the following members: (1) The chairperson of the board of land and natural resources or the chairperson's designee, who shall serve as the co-chairperson of the working group; (2) The chairperson of the board of agriculture or the chairperson's designee, who shall serve as the co-chairperson of the working group; (3) The deputy director for water resource management of the department of land and natural resources or the deputy director's designee; (4) Two persons appointed by the governor, one of whom shall represent the counties; (5) One person selected by the Hawaii Cattlemen's Council to represent the council; (6) One person selected by the Land Use Research Foundation to represent the foundation; (7) One person selected by the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation to represent the federation; and (8) Three owners of dams and reservoirs regulated by the department of land and natural resources to be selected by the co-chairpersons of the working group. Any vacancies in the commission shall be filled in the manner provided for in the original appointments. (c) The dam and reservoir working group shall review applicable state laws, administrative rules, and operational policies and recommend amendments, modifications, or actions to be taken to ensure and enhance the continued availability and operation of dams and reservoirs in the State. (d) The dam and reservoir working group shall report its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, amendments to rules, policy modifications, or other actions, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2024. (e) The members of the working group shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties. (f) The dam and reservoir working group shall cease to exist on June 30, 2024. SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval. INTRODUCED BY: _____________________________
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49	49	SECTION 1. The legislature finds that dams and reservoirs are a critical part of the State's infrastructure, providing numerous benefits that local communities depend upon. In addition to storing and delivering a reliable source of water for agriculture during dry periods, assisting with flood control during large storms, and helping to mitigate erosion and reduce sediment runoff to near shore ocean reefs, dams and reservoirs also play an important role in providing drinking water for Hawaii's residents.
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51	51	The legislature further finds that the continued availability and operation of dams and reservoirs is extremely important in sustaining water resources and enhancing public safety. By capturing storm water that would otherwise rush to the ocean, reservoirs help to recharge groundwater aquifers, which are a primary source for much of Hawaii's drinking water. Providing renewable energy through the use of hydropower is another significant community benefit derived from dams and reservoirs.
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53	53	The purpose of this Act is to establish a dam and reservoir working group to ensure and enhance the continued availability and operation of dams and reservoirs in the State of Hawaii.
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55	55	SECTION 2. (a) There is established a dam and reservoir working group, to be placed within the department of land and natural resources for administrative purposes only.
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57	57	(b) Without regard to section 26-34, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the dam and reservoir working group shall consist of the following members:
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59	59	(1) The chairperson of the board of land and natural resources or the chairperson's designee, who shall serve as the co-chairperson of the working group;
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61	61	(2) The chairperson of the board of agriculture or the chairperson's designee, who shall serve as the co-chairperson of the working group;
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63	63	(3) The deputy director for water resource management of the department of land and natural resources or the deputy director's designee;
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65	65	(4) Two persons appointed by the governor, one of whom shall represent the counties;
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67	67	(5) One person selected by the Hawaii Cattlemen's Council to represent the council;
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69	69	(6) One person selected by the Land Use Research Foundation to represent the foundation;
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71	71	(7) One person selected by the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation to represent the federation; and
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73	73	(8) Three owners of dams and reservoirs regulated by the department of land and natural resources to be selected by the co-chairpersons of the working group.
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75	75	Any vacancies in the commission shall be filled in the manner provided for in the original appointments.
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77	77	(c) The dam and reservoir working group shall review applicable state laws, administrative rules, and operational policies and recommend amendments, modifications, or actions to be taken to ensure and enhance the continued availability and operation of dams and reservoirs in the State.
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79	79	(d) The dam and reservoir working group shall report its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, amendments to rules, policy modifications, or other actions, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2024.
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81	81	(e) The members of the working group shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties.
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83	83	(f) The dam and reservoir working group shall cease to exist on June 30, 2024.
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85	85	SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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89	89	INTRODUCED BY: _____________________________
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127	127	Report Title: Dam and Reservoir Working Group Description: Establishes a Dam and Reservoir Working Group to ensure and enhance the continued availability and operation of dams and reservoirs in the State. The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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133	133	Report Title:
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135	135	Dam and Reservoir Working Group
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139	139	Description:
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141	141	Establishes a Dam and Reservoir Working Group to ensure and enhance the continued availability and operation of dams and reservoirs in the State.
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149	149	The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.