Urging The Honolulu Board Of Water Supply And Kalaeloa Desalco Llc To Increase The Final Initial Production Capacity Of The Kalaeloa Seawater Desalination Facility Project And Be Activated As Soon As Practicable.
Impact
The resolution comes in response to the increasing strain on natural water sources in Hawaii, where freshwater is primarily replenished through rainfall, which has notably declined over the past century. The importance of this bill is underscored by events such as the 2021 Red Hill fuel crisis, which revealed significant vulnerabilities in Hawaii's water supply infrastructure. If implemented, HR182 aims to bolster the production of the Kalaeloa facility, which is set to produce an initial 1.7 million gallons of fresh water daily, contributing to water supply needs for the ʻEwa district.
Summary
House Resolution 182 urges the Honolulu Board of Water Supply and Kalaeloa Desalco LLC to enhance the production capacity of the Kalaeloa seawater desalination facility project and to activate it as soon as practicable. Given Hawaii’s escalating water scarcity due to reduced rainfall and ongoing drought conditions, the resolution highlights the critical need for alternative water supply sources to secure potable water for residents. The bill references successful desalination efforts in other regions, particularly Israel, which rely heavily on desalination for their water supply.
Contention
One notable point of contention regarding HR182 revolves around the adequacy of the proposed desalination capacity in addressing O'ahu's extensive water needs. Critics may argue that while the project represents progress in sustainable water management, its impact may still be insufficient compared to the finite groundwater resources currently being tapped. Moreover, concerns regarding environmental implications and the long-term feasibility of large-scale desalination projects could be raised during discussions surrounding this resolution.
Relating to the diversion and use of marine seawater, including the development of marine seawater desalination projects, integrated marine seawater desalination and power projects, and facilities for the storage, conveyance, and delivery of desalinated marine seawater.
Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene And Provide Administrative Assistance To A Desalination Planning Task Force To Determine Whether The Use Of Desalination For Large-scale Water Consumption In The State Is Feasible.
Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene And Provide Administrative Assistance To A Desalination Planning Task Force To Determine Whether The Use Of Desalination For Large-scale Water Consumption In The State Is Feasible.
Relating to the diversion, treatment, and use of marine seawater and the discharge of treated marine seawater and waste resulting from the desalination of marine seawater; adding provisions subject to a criminal penalty.
Requesting The Mayor Of The City And County Of Honolulu, Honolulu City Council, And Department Of Parks And Recreation Of The City And County Of Honolulu To Create A Dedicated Animal Education And Training Complex Within Kalaeloa Parklands.
Requesting The Mayor Of The City And County Of Honolulu, Honolulu City Council, And Department Of Parks And Recreation Of The City And County Of Honolulu To Create A Dedicated Animal Education And Training Complex Within Kalaeloa Parklands.