Hawaii House Bill HR182

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24

Caption

Urging The Honolulu Board Of Water Supply And Kalaeloa Desalco Llc To Increase The Final Initial Production Capacity Of The Kalaeloa Seawater Desalination Facility Project And Be Activated As Soon As Practicable.

Impact

The resolution comes in response to the increasing strain on natural water sources in Hawaii, where freshwater is primarily replenished through rainfall, which has notably declined over the past century. The importance of this bill is underscored by events such as the 2021 Red Hill fuel crisis, which revealed significant vulnerabilities in Hawaii's water supply infrastructure. If implemented, HR182 aims to bolster the production of the Kalaeloa facility, which is set to produce an initial 1.7 million gallons of fresh water daily, contributing to water supply needs for the ʻEwa district.

Summary

House Resolution 182 urges the Honolulu Board of Water Supply and Kalaeloa Desalco LLC to enhance the production capacity of the Kalaeloa seawater desalination facility project and to activate it as soon as practicable. Given Hawaii’s escalating water scarcity due to reduced rainfall and ongoing drought conditions, the resolution highlights the critical need for alternative water supply sources to secure potable water for residents. The bill references successful desalination efforts in other regions, particularly Israel, which rely heavily on desalination for their water supply.

Contention

One notable point of contention regarding HR182 revolves around the adequacy of the proposed desalination capacity in addressing O'ahu's extensive water needs. Critics may argue that while the project represents progress in sustainable water management, its impact may still be insufficient compared to the finite groundwater resources currently being tapped. Moreover, concerns regarding environmental implications and the long-term feasibility of large-scale desalination projects could be raised during discussions surrounding this resolution.