Relating To The Water Pollution Control Special Fund.
The proposed legislation will allow for the collection of fees associated with permits, certifications, and variances, which will then be deposited into the Water Pollution Control Special Fund. This fund is designed to provide a stable financial resource for the Department of Health to effectively execute water quality management activities. The bill appropriates $300,000 for the fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025, signifying a legislative commitment to improving Hawaii's water quality oversight.
Senate Bill 1376 aims to establish a Water Pollution Control Special Fund in the State of Hawaii, intended to enhance the management, protection, and restoration of both marine and freshwaters across the State. As Hawaii faces growth in development, population, and tourism, the bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining surface water quality to align with environmental protection and public health considerations. This initiative responds to the current challenge of insufficient monitoring of surface waters, which is hindered by limited financial resources.
While the bill generally aims to bolster environmental protections, potential points of contention may arise regarding the sources of funding and the use of permit fees. Stakeholders may have differing views on the adequacy of appropriated funds and whether these fees are sufficient to cover the costs of monitoring and enforcement activities. Additionally, there may be discussions surrounding the implementation of these changes and the potential need for public education and outreach efforts to ensure awareness and compliance with new regulations.