Relating To Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Permits.
Impact
If passed, HB1853 would directly impact the way municipal separate storm sewer system permits are managed, particularly from a financial perspective. By prohibiting the assessment of fees on county governments, the bill could encourage these entities to actively pursue environmental management efforts without the added pressure of incurring costs for necessary permits. This change could foster a more collaborative relationship between state and local governments, particularly in terms of addressing stormwater runoff and related environmental concerns.
Summary
House Bill 1853 relates to municipal separate storm sewer system permits and specifically addresses the fees associated with these permits. The bill proposes an amendment to Section 342D-13 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, which currently allows the director to establish fees for the issuance of permits and variances regarding stormwater management. The proposed amendment stipulates that no fees shall be assessed for the issuance of municipal separate storm sewer system permits to county governments. This change aims to alleviate financial burdens on local governments that are implementing stormwater management initiatives.
Contention
While the bill may seem beneficial by reducing costs for county governments, there could be concerns regarding the overall funding for the management of stormwater systems. Critics might argue that eliminating fees could lead to a lack of necessary funds for proper implementation and enforcement of stormwater regulations, potentially undermining the effectiveness of these programs. Additionally, there may be debates surrounding the fairness of distributing costs associated with environmental compliance solely to state funds without contributions from local entities.