Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene And Provide Administrative Assistance To A Desalination Planning Task Force To Determine Whether The Use Of Desalination For Large-scale Water Consumption In The State Is Feasible.
The proposed task force would conduct comprehensive studies to assess water demands across different sectors, including housing, agriculture, and industries, especially in areas experiencing high water stress. The resolution emphasizes that conducting a feasibility study is crucial for determining how desalination could supplement current water resources and address future water shortages. By doing so, it aims to bolster the resilience of Hawaii's water management systems in response to ongoing and projected environmental challenges.
SCR54 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii that addresses the critical issue of freshwater scarcity on the islands amid increasing population growth and climate change challenges. The resolution requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources to establish a Desalination Planning Task Force to explore the feasibility of using desalination technology for large-scale water consumption. This initiative stems from concerns over diminishing freshwater supplies, particularly as Hawaii's reliance on underground aquifers is jeopardized by various environmental factors and increased demand.
General sentiment around SCR54 appears supportive, with recognition of the urgent need to investigate alternative water sources due to the ongoing freshwater crisis in Hawaii. Proponents of the resolution highlight the necessity for the task force to evaluate the potential impacts of desalination, including environmental repercussions and socio-cultural considerations, particularly regarding Native Hawaiian historical sites and practices. This evaluation is vital to foster community trust and ensure that any future projects do not adversely affect local cultures.
While SCR54 is primarily driven by the need for sustainable water solutions, there are underlying concerns regarding the environmental impact and economic viability of desalination processes. Some critics may point to the energy-intensive nature of desalination and the associated costs, as well as how these factors could influence community acceptance. The task force is also instructed to address these concerns, ensuring a balanced approach between the technological feasibility of desalination and the preservation of the local environment and community values.