Relating To Dam And Appurtenance Safety.
The enactment of HB 750 is anticipated to significantly impact state laws related to dam safety and infrastructure funding. By creating a dedicated revolving fund and various assistance programs, the bill will aid private dam owners in maintaining and improving dams deemed high hazard or significant hazard. Furthermore, it underscores a shift in responsibility from private homeowners and homeowners' associations to a more structured state-supported framework, ensuring proper safety measures are adopted and maintained, thereby reducing the flood risk to surrounding communities, particularly during extreme weather events.
House Bill 750 aims to enhance dam and appurtenance safety across Hawaii by establishing several financial assistance programs. Specifically, the bill introduces a dam and appurtenance improvement loan program, a grant program, and a tax credit for eligible expenses related to improving deficient dams. The bill intends to mitigate risks associated with improperly maintained dams, particularly following the sale of plantation land where developers constructed subdivisions that often include such infrastructure. The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is designated to administer these programs and establish criteria for funding eligibility.
While generally supportive of the need for infrastructure improvement, there may be potential contentions regarding the funding mechanisms and criteria for eligibility outlined in HB 750. Stakeholders, including private dam owners, may express concerns about the adequacy of financial support through loans and grants, especially given that grants are prioritized for facilities in poor condition. Questions may also arise regarding the sufficiency of funding appropriated by the state, as the bill calls for substantial fiscal resources during the 2023-2025 period, raising debates over budget allocation and long-term sustainability of the programs involved.