Report Title:

Kailua waterway system clean up; Grant-In-Aid to C & C of Honolulu

Description:

Makes a Grant-In-Aid to the C & C of Honolulu to demonstrate the State's participation in the partnership to clean up the Kailua waterway system, to be matched by the C & C.

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

1528

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

MAKING A GRANT-IN-AID TO THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO CLEAN UP THE KAILUA WATERWAY SYSTEM.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. Kaelepulu Watershed incorporating Kaelepulu stream and pond, Kawai Nui Canal, Oneawa Canal, Enchanted Lake, and related tributaries, shall herein be referred to as the Kailua waterway system.

The legislature finds that the Kailua waterway system is a habitat for several endangered species. It is also a drainage basis for runoff from lands owned by the city and county of Honolulu, the State, the federal government, and private landowners that eventually discharges into Kailua Bay. A significant portion of the Kailua waterway system consists of stagnant water that poses serious health risks. Sewage effluent, silt, debris, and trash from various nonpoint sources has been discharged into the Kailua waterway system since the 1950s, with construction in the area contributing to the problem. The department of health and the city and county of Honolulu have made several efforts to address the problem of discharge and water quality in Kailua waterway system. This has resulted in repairs to the wastewater collection system, improvements to the wastewater pump stations, provisions to capture overflow, and a public outreach program to reduce the introduction of grease into the system. However, there has been no comparable program for nonpoint source pollution.

The department of health and the city and county of Honolulu have also taken enforcement actions against private firms and individuals for discharging pollutants and the city and county has cleared vegetation and performed maintenance dredging for a part of the waterway.

The legislature finds that the clean up of the Kailua waterway system will occur over a number of years and must be done through a partnership among the stakeholders involved, that is, the State, the city and county of Honolulu, private landowners, and the federal government. Therefore, costs of the cleanup should be shared between the stakeholders. With the promise of federal participation in clean up efforts, there is a need to demonstrate a commitment from the State, in partnership with the city and county of Honolulu and private landowners to fund the clean up of Kailua waterway system. The purpose of this Act is to make a grant-in-aid to the city and county of Honolulu to demonstrate the State's participation in the partnership to clean up Kailua waterway system.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $335,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2003-2004, as a grant-in-aid to the city and county of Honolulu for expenditures to clean up the Kailua waterway system pursuant to this Act; provided that no funds shall be made available under this Act unless the city and county of Honolulu provides dollar-for-dollar matching funds.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the city and county of Honolulu.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2003.

INTRODUCED BY:

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