STAND. COM. REP. NO. 876

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    S.B. No. 350

       S.D. 2

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 350, S.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE ENVIRONMENT,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to facilitate environmental management.

 

     Specifically, the measure:

 

     (1)  Requires the Department of Health to:

 

          (A)  Fill the vacant staff position of Environmental Management Division Chief by October 1, 2021;

 

          (B)  Require that the Clean Water Branch of the Environmental Management Division continue to take certain steps regarding testing water quality;

 

          (C)  Issue certain health advisories during brown water advisories;

 

          (D)  Take into consideration certain environmental justice issues in relation to Hawaii's beach monitoring program; and

 

          (E)  Establish an Environmental Management Division Oversight Advisory Board; and

 

     (2)  Requires the Legislative Reference Bureau to conduct a comprehensive review of the Environmental Management Division.

 

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Kihei Community Association, Surfrider Foundation, Surfrider Foundation's Kona Kai Ea Chapter, Pono Hawaii Initiative, Hawaii Youth Climate Coalition, Malama Maunalua, Polanui Hiu, Hui o He`e Nalu, Wastewater Alternatives and Innovations, Waiwai Ola Waterkeepers Hawaiian Islands, Kaiola Canoe Club, Hui O Mana Ka Puuwai Outrigger Canoe Club, Friends of Hanauma Bay, Earthjustice, Center for Biological Diversity, WMPA, Windward Coalition for Community Concerns, The Makalii Group, Friends of Mahaulepu, Kiai Wai o Waialeale, HAMER, YPDA Hawaii Environmental Justice, Hawaii Wildlife Fund, Hawaii Strikes Back, Hookipa Network - Kauai, Maui OFR, and numerous individuals.

 

     Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Health, Legislative Reference Bureau, and two individuals.

 

     Your Committee finds that the Environmental Management Division of the Department of Health provides leadership, policy, oversight, and coordination for its branches relating to clean air, clean water, solid and hazardous water, wastewater, and safe drinking water.  Your Committee recognizes that water quality issues are of great concern to both residents and visitors.  Your Committee believes it is appropriate to improve oversight, increase water testing, and facilitate communications on the safety of entering coastal waters.

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

 

     (1)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, to facilitate further discussion on the measure; and

 

     (2)  Making technical nonsubstantive amendments for purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 350, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 350, S.D. 2.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

 

 

 

________________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair