Hawaii House Bill HCR58

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/5/24
• Refer: 3/8/24

Caption

Urging The Board Of Water Supply To Work With Dale Yoshida To Address Access To Emergency Clean Drinking Water In Hawaii.

Impact

The resolution comes at a time when Hawaii faces significant challenges related to water supply and quality, especially with aging infrastructure and contamination risks from pesticides and saltwater intrusion. By urging the Board of Water Supply to engage with water solutions expert Dale Yoshida, known for his 'Water for Life Project,' the resolution emphasizes a forward-thinking approach to emergency preparedness in the realm of water access. This could lead to the adoption of innovative techniques and technologies designed to enhance the resilience of Hawaii's water infrastructure, which is essential for both public health and environmental conservation.

Summary

HCR 58, a House Concurrent Resolution in Hawaii, urges the Board of Water Supply to collaborate with Dale Yoshida to improve access to emergency clean drinking water in the state. The resolution highlights the importance of addressing the vulnerabilities of Hawaii's water supply system, particularly given that approximately ninety percent of the state's drinking water is sourced from groundwater wells, which are susceptible to contamination and infrastructure failures. This proactive measure aims to ensure that residents have reliable access to clean water in emergencies, particularly during power outages when well systems may fail to operate.

Contention

While the resolution primarily serves as a call to action rather than legislative enforcement, it does imply a need for systemic changes within the water supply management strategies in Hawaii. Some stakeholders might debate the effectiveness of relying on private expertise, such as that of Dale Yoshida, for public water resource management. There may also be discussions around funding and resource allocation for implementing emergency measures versus enhancing existing infrastructure. It is crucial to balance these perspectives to ensure that effective and sustainable solutions are developed for Hawaii's critical water supply issues.