If enacted, SB1210 would require the Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) to condition permits for new residential and mixed-use developments on the installation of dual line water supply systems. This initiative is expected to centralize water management practices across counties and could facilitate better irrigation practices and overall water sustainability. The bill would also direct the Department of Health and the Board of Agriculture to align their existing regulations with the provisions of SB1210, thereby potentially standardizing how nonpotable water resources are managed throughout the state.
SB1210 proposes amendments to the Hawaii Revised Statutes regarding water use and the installation of dual line water supply systems in new residential and mixed-use developments. The bill aims to establish requirements for the use of both potable and nonpotable water systems to be used concurrently in these developments, specifically in designated water management areas. By doing so, it seeks to enhance water resource management and promote the use of nonpotable water sources, which may be beneficial in addressing water scarcity issues in Hawaii.
Notably, the bill has sparked discussions about the governmental preemption of state and county regulations that could conflict with its requirements. Opponents of the bill may argue that such preemptive language could undermine local governance by restricting the ability of counties to regulate water supply systems according to their unique needs. Proponents, however, assert that the standardization is necessary for efficient water resource management and is essential for developing more sustainable communities in light of Hawaii's water issues.