Hawaii Senate Bill SR77

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24

Caption

Authorizing The Cancellation Of Governor's Executive Order No. 3006 And Reset Aside To The County Of Maui, Department Of Environmental Management, For Sewage Treatment Plant Purposes, Kahului, Wailuku, Maui, Tax Map Key Number: (2) 3-8-001:188 And Seaward Of 188 And The Issuance Of A Perpetual, Non-exclusive Easement To The County Of Maui, Department Of Environmental Management, For Wastewater Force Main Purposes, Kahului, Wailuku, Maui, Tax Map Key Number: (2) 3-8-001: Portion Of 119.

Impact

The movement to cancel Executive Order No. 3006 was triggered by a shoreline certification process that indicated an encroachment issue, where a portion of a revetment extended beyond the designated area. As a housekeeping measure, the Department of Land and Natural Resources plans to issue a new executive order that encompasses a slightly larger area of 19.289 acres, which accounts for the previous oversight. This adjustment is also intended to clarify the operational responsibilities of the Department of Environmental Management as the agency managing these facilities.

Summary

Senate Resolution 77 (SR77) of the Thirty-Second Legislature of Hawaii is focused on the cancellation of Governor's Executive Order No. 3006 and the subsequent resetting aside of land to the County of Maui's Department of Environmental Management for sewage treatment plant purposes. The resolution outlines the historical context of Executive Order No. 3006, which was issued in 1980, granting approximately 18.755 acres to the County for the operation of the Wailuku-Kahului Wastewater Reclamation Facility. This facility is crucial for managing wastewater in central Maui, ensuring compliance with environmental standards and public health.

Contention

A salient feature of the resolution is the proposed issuance of a perpetual, non-exclusive easement to the County of Maui for wastewater force main purposes. This easement is essential for operational continuity and must be authorized through a separate document, as new policies dictate that easements can no longer be established via executive orders. The transition underscores a shift towards more structured property management and land use policies aimed at supporting environmental infrastructure.

Notable_points

SR77 is part of ongoing efforts to maintain and upgrade the infrastructure critical to water management in Maui. The legislative process reflects the necessity for collaboration between state authorities and local governments to address environmental concerns while adhering to legal frameworks regarding state land usage. The resolution was formulated to ensure that the County’s wastewater management plans can align with state legal stipulations while effectively addressing local environmental needs.