The bill fundamentally alters existing water use provisions within Chapter 174C of the Hawaii Revised Statutes by instituting a prohibition against using one million gallons or more of potable water per year for recreational or ornamental purposes. This includes activities such as filling swimming pools and maintaining decorative ponds or fountains. Importantly, the bill exempts the use of recycled water, encouraging practices that utilize treated wastewater for non-essential purposes, thereby promoting sustainable water management practices in the state.
SB209 addresses the pressing issue of water conservation in Hawaii amidst ongoing drought conditions, climate change implications, and recent public health and environmental crises linked to the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. The bill recognizes the need for stricter regulation of water use, particularly emphasizing the restriction of nonessential uses of potable water that could otherwise be reserved for vital needs. This legislative measure aims to ensure that water, recognized as the state's most crucial and finite resource, is utilized in a manner that prioritizes human health, safety, and the sustainability of Hawaii’s economic future.
While the bill purports to address critical environmental concerns, potential points of contention may arise regarding the definition and scope of 'recreational or ornamental uses' as specified in the legislation. Stakeholders, including residents with lawns, pools, and ornamental water features, could argue that the restrictions imposed by SB209 may limit personal freedoms and enjoyment of property. Furthermore, the efficacy of the bill in genuinely conserving water while allowing for sustainable recreational practices remains a subject for debate among environmental advocates and residents alike.