Relating To Dam And Appurtenance Safety.
To mitigate these hazards, the bill proposes the establishment of a dam and appurtenance improvement or removal grant program. This program aims to provide financial assistance to owners of private dams deemed deficient. The funding will support the necessary plans, design, construction, and equipment to either improve or safely remove these hazardous structures. The bill outlines specific eligibility criteria for grant applicants, emphasizing priority for dams rated in poor or unsatisfactory condition. The overall goal is to enhance the safety of these structures and the communities that rely on them.
House Bill 2141 addresses the crucial issue of dam and appurtenance safety in Hawaii, particularly highlighting the risks posed by poorly maintained dams that have been acquired as part of property developments. Primarily focusing on developers who have taken over plantation-era reservoirs, the bill recognizes the significant dangers present during extreme weather events, which can lead to flooding in surrounding neighborhoods due to insufficient upkeep of these structures. The Department of Land and Natural Resources currently views these dams as privately owned, placing the responsibility of maintenance squarely on homeowners or associations, which has resulted in an unsafe state of many such dams.
There are various points of contention surrounding HB 2141. Critics may argue about the financial burden associated with the state funding of such grants, as the bill appropriates significant amounts from the general revenues of Hawaii. Additionally, there could be concerns regarding the regulatory impact of granting funds and the related requirements that homeowners or associations may need to meet, which could complicate their ability to act. Nonetheless, supporters of the bill contend that ensuring dam safety is a public safety necessity that must be prioritized, particularly in light of increasing extreme weather patterns.