Hawaii House Bill HR56

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/23
• Refer: 3/10/23
• Report Pass: 3/30/23
• Passed: 3/30/23

Caption

Requesting The Hawaii County Department Of Water Supply To Convene A Working Group To Examine Opportunities For Increasing Water Access And Strengthening Water Infrastructure For Underserved Communities On Hawaii Island.

Impact

The resolution points to systemic inequalities faced by the southwestern communities, which struggle with access to consistent water supplies. The document references prior initiatives, such as the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates Water Facilities Project, which attempted to address these issues by constructing a standpipe well, yet many residents still depend on less reliable catchment systems for their water needs. The goal of HR56 is to develop a comprehensive understanding of these challenges and propose actionable solutions, potentially influencing future legislation on water resource management and development in the area.

Summary

House Resolution 56 (HR56) requests the Hawaii County Department of Water Supply to convene a working group aimed at examining opportunities to enhance water access and improve water infrastructure for underserved communities on Hawaii Island. The resolution emphasizes the importance of water as a vital resource for personal and public health, stating that reliable water infrastructure is crucial for the development of essential services such as schools, health centers, and grocery stores. Many communities, particularly in the southwestern region of Hawaii Island, are identified as lacking adequate access to water infrastructure, highlighting a significant disparity in resource distribution across the island.

Contention

Notably, the resolution encourages the engagement of various stakeholders, including water resource experts and community members, in the working group. This collaborative approach may foster a deeper understanding of local water issues and enhance accountability in addressing infrastructural deficiencies. The request for a report on the working group's findings and recommendations indicates an effort to generate informed legislative proposals by the beginning of the next Regular Session, aiming to ensure that water access becomes a legislative priority moving forward.