The bill mandates the University of Hawaii, in consultation with the commission on water resource management, to develop a comprehensive and flexible groundwater model. This model will aim to incorporate considerations for traditional and customary Native Hawaiian practices alongside climate change projections and the needs of groundwater-dependent ecosystems. The requirement for a thorough scope of work and cost analysis signifies the prioritization of both ecological and cultural aspects in water resource management. A report detailing these findings and recommendations is expected to be submitted to the legislature by November 1, 2023.
Summary
House Bill 905 pertains to sustainable groundwater yields within the State of Hawaii. The bill recognizes that groundwater serves as a primary source of municipal water and emphasizes the need for careful management to prevent issues such as saltwater intrusion. It highlights the complexities surrounding the assessment of sustainable yields due to challenges like insufficient site-specific data and the need to consider various uncertainties affecting groundwater recharge. The intention of this legislation is crucial, given the ongoing concerns about water quality and availability amid changing environmental conditions.
Contention
While the bill seeks to enhance awareness and management of groundwater resources, potential points of contention could arise regarding who controls and influences the development of the groundwater model and its implementation. Stakeholders, including environmental groups and Native Hawaiian communities, may have differing views on how traditional practices are integrated into the scientific approaches outlined in the model. Furthermore, the longer timeline for the bill’s enactment, which sets an effective date of June 30, 3000, may raise questions about immediacy in addressing groundwater issues that could be more pressing in the short term.
Relating to the consideration of modeled sustainable groundwater pumping in the adoption of desired future conditions in groundwater conservation districts.