Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR168

Introduced
3/7/25  
Refer
3/12/25  
Report Pass
4/2/25  
Engrossed
4/3/25  

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands To Develop And Implement A Water Access Pilot Project Demonstrating The Kohala Region's Capacity For A Potable Water System.

Impact

The resolution highlights the pressing need for a comprehensive water management plan that serves both potable and irrigation needs across Hawaii. By leveraging the Kohala region's natural resources, the project aims to address the state's challenges in providing a reliable water supply while promoting local agricultural practices. This initiative is particularly significant for native Hawaiian beneficiaries of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, as it is expected to increase water accessibility and attract more residents to the area.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 168 (SCR168) requests the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to develop and implement a Water Access Pilot Project in the Kohala region of Hawaii. The primary goal of this project is to demonstrate the region's capacity to establish a potable water system, with an emphasis on sustainability and renewable energy solutions. The proposal identifies the unique geographical features of the Kohala mountains, which facilitate the construction of a water pump storage hydroelectric facility designed to store and generate clean energy through a series of reservoirs.

Contention

Despite the apparent benefits, concerns may arise regarding the implications of such large-scale projects on local ecosystems and existing water rights. As the resolution advocates for integrating renewable energy sources like wind power to support the water system, stakeholders may debate the environmental impacts of these developments. Additionally, the plan's reliance on state resources and infrastructure could lead to discussions about funding, logistics, and regulatory oversight necessary to ensure the project's success and sustainability.

Companion Bills

HI SR137

Same As Requesting The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands To Develop And Implement A Water Access Pilot Project Demonstrating The Kohala Region's Capacity For A Potable Water System.

Previously Filed As

HI SB1618

Relating To The Protection Of Taro Lands.

HI SB1618

Relating To The Protection Of Taro Lands.

HI SCR203

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources, Office Of Planning And Sustainable Development, And County Of Maui To Inventory And Map Existing R-1 Water Delivery Systems And Reservoirs In Maui County.

HI SB1498

Relating To The Protection Of Taro.

HI SB1498

Relating To The Protection Of Taro.

HI HCR88

Requesting The Judiciary To Prepare A Master Development Plan, Including A Capitol Improvement Project Request, To Upgrade The South Kohala District Court.

HI SR179

Requesting The Office Of Planning And Sustainable Development And County Of Maui To Inventory And Map Existing R-1 Water Delivery Systems And Reservoirs In Maui County.

HI HR95

Requesting The Judiciary To Prepare A Master Development Plan, Including A Capitol Improvement Project Request, To Upgrade The South Kohala District Court.

HI SCR221

Requesting That The Agribusiness Development Corporation Conduct A Study On The Feasibility Of Developing Desalination Plants In West And South Maui That Are Co-located With Hydrological Power Plants.

HI HB1813

Relating To Agricultural Lands.

Similar Bills

HI HB2491

Relating To The Hawaiian Language.

HI SB1317

Relating To Public Land Trust Funds.

HI HB1266

Relating To Public Land Trust Funds.

HI HCR32

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Identify The Scope Of Native Hawaiian Cultural Appropriateness For The Purpose Of Addressing Native Hawaiian Disparities.

HI HR21

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Identify The Scope Of Native Hawaiian Cultural Appropriateness For The Purpose Of Addressing Native Hawaiian Disparities.

HI SB1413

Relating To The Hawaiian Language.

HI SB392

Relating To Support For Traditional Native Speakers Of Hawaiian.

HI SB392

Relating To Support For Traditional Native Speakers Of Hawaiian.