Environment (Water Quality)

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 9, 2026

GM 1311: Informing the Legislature that on July 8, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1728 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 209).

This bill, signed into law on July 8, 2026, requires all counties in Hawaii to allow the installation and operation of rainwater catchment systems on any property, regardless of whether it is connected to a public water system. The legislation defines these systems as setups that collect and store rainwater from rooftops for uses such as irrigation, toilet flushing, and cleaning. While counties must permit these systems, the law also allows local governments to require registration, inspection, or notification if necessary to protect public health or water quality. This change aims to reduce strain on public infrastructure and support sustainable water management across the state.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates rainwater catchment systems to conserve water resources and reduce reliance on public water supplies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 9, 2026

GM 1306: Informing the Legislature that on July 8, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1618 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 204).

This bill establishes a new revolving loan fund to help Hawaii homeowners afford the high costs of converting outdated cesspools into approved wastewater systems or connecting to sewer lines. Administered by the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, the program will offer low-interest or forgivable loans, prioritizing low- and moderate-income households, to assist with these necessary upgrades. The law also directs the Department of Health to transfer money from an existing water pollution control fund to help start and maintain this new lending program. By creating a dedicated financing source, the legislation aims to accelerate the cleanup of cesspools that currently threaten public health and the environment.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds wastewater system upgrades to replace outdated cesspools, directly reducing pollution and protecting water quality.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 190: URGING THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO REASSESS PRIOR DETERMINATIONS AND CLOSURE DECISIONS UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION, AND LIABILITY ACT IN LIGHT OF EVOLVING SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING OF PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES AND RECENT FEDERAL HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE DESIGNATIONS.

This resolution urges the U.S. Department of Defense to review and potentially reopen its environmental cleanup decisions at military sites in Hawaii, specifically regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). It calls for expanded investigations beyond areas previously linked to firefighting foam to include all historical uses of PFAS-containing materials, equipment, and waste streams at military facilities. The measure requests that the Department of Defense apply updated scientific knowledge and recent federal hazardous substance designations to assess groundwater, soil, and water contamination more thoroughly before closing sites.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill urges DoD to reassess PFAS cleanup decisions and expand investigations, strengthening environmental protections and pollution control at military sites.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill urges DoD to reassess environmental cleanup decisions at military sites, potentially improving health outcomes for veterans exposed to PFAS contaminants at former bases.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Hazardous Materials Water Quality

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 168: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO PRIORITIZE ISSUING A SET-ASIDE TO THE COUNTY OF MAUI THROUGH AN EXECUTIVE ORDER BY THE GOVERNOR TO SUPPORT THE MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC TRUST WATER RESOURCES IN EAST MAUI.

This bill is a House resolution urging the Department of Land and Natural Resources to prioritize issuing a water set-aside to the County of Maui through an executive order by the Governor. The resolution addresses water management in East Maui, specifically the Nahiku, Ke'anae, Honomanu, and Huelo State License Areas, where drought conditions have reduced water availability for residents, businesses, and farmers. The bill calls on state agencies to support the County's efforts to manage public trust water resources, citing constitutional obligations and the public trust doctrine. It highlights potential benefits such as funding for water system repairs, reduced water costs for residents and farmers, and watershed restoration, while noting that the County has already established a local water authority through a voter-approved charter amendment.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prioritizes water set-aside to manage public trust water resources and address drought conditions, supporting environmental conservation and natural resource management.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 24, 2026

HCR 180: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOSECURITY TO EXPLORE AND PURSUE OPPORTUNITIES TO COLOCATE COMMUNITY-BASED RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATING PROJECTS WITH AGRICULTURAL RESERVOIRS AND IRRIGATION WATER INFRASTRUCTURE.

This House Concurrent Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to investigate and develop projects that combine renewable energy generation with existing agricultural reservoirs and irrigation systems. The bill proposes placing floating solar panels and small water turbines in water infrastructure to produce clean electricity without disrupting water delivery or requiring major construction. It encourages collaboration with farmers, local communities, and energy developers to identify suitable sites and conduct feasibility studies for pilot programs. The resolution aims to support Hawaii's clean energy goals while providing benefits like reduced water evaporation, improved water quality, and local economic opportunities.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly promotes renewable energy by encouraging placement of floating solar panels and water turbines in agricultural infrastructure, advancing clean energy generation.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes renewable energy generation through floating solar panels and water turbines in agricultural infrastructure, advancing clean energy and reducing emissions.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill promotes renewable energy technology integration with agricultural infrastructure, advancing clean energy solutions through floating solar panels and water turbines.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Hydroelectric Renewable Energy Solar Water Quality Tags Agriculture

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 22, 2026

HCR 178: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO PRIORITIZE ISSUING A SET-ASIDE TO THE COUNTY OF MAUI THROUGH AN EXECUTIVE ORDER BY THE GOVERNOR TO SUPPORT THE MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC TRUST WATER RESOURCES IN EAST MAUI.

This bill urges the Governor to issue an executive order directing the Department of Land and Natural Resources to prioritize a water set-aside for the County of Maui. The resolution specifically targets the Nahiku, Ke'anae, Honomanō, and Huelo State License Areas in East Maui, where historic drought conditions have reduced water availability. The proposed set-aside would allocate state water resources to support the County's management of public trust water resources, potentially enabling funding for water system repairs, reduced rates for residents and farmers, and watershed restoration efforts. As a non-binding concurrent resolution, the bill does not mandate action but formally requests the Governor and relevant state officials to consider this priority for water resource management in the region.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prioritizes water set-aside for public trust water resources in East Maui to address drought conditions, supporting conservation and environmental protection.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Apr 8, 2026

SCR 133: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOSECURITY, TO ADOPT RULES TO PROHIBIT COMMERCIAL OCTOPUS AQUACULTURE.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources to work with the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to create rules banning commercial octopus farming. The bill aims to prevent potential environmental harm from intensive coastal development, water pollution, and the use of wild-caught fish for feed, while also addressing concerns about animal welfare and the cultural importance of native octopus populations. It would prohibit commercial aquaculture operations but allow special permits for non-commercial research and educational activities involving octopus.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prohibits commercial octopus aquaculture to prevent environmental harm, water pollution, and protect native populations, directly advancing environmental protection.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Water Quality

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 133: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO MAKE WATER QUALITY AND CONTAMINATION TESTING RESULTS FOR WAIMANALO GULCH PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE.

This Senate Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Health to make water quality and contamination testing results for the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill publicly accessible in a timely and user-friendly manner. The bill specifically asks the department to provide clear information about the types of contaminants tested, how often testing occurs, and how to interpret the results, while also collaborating with community organizations and academic institutions to promote transparency. Additionally, the resolution requires the Department of Health to submit an annual report to the Legislature summarizing these testing results and any actions taken in response, with reports due before each regular legislative session begins. This measure aims to ensure residents, researchers, and policymakers have prompt access to environmental data affecting public health and the surrounding watershed.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes transparency in water quality testing and contamination monitoring at a landfill, supporting environmental protection and public awareness of pollution levels.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Waste Management Water Quality

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Apr 8, 2026

SR 125: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOSECURITY, TO ADOPT RULES TO PROHIBIT COMMERCIAL OCTOPUS AQUACULTURE.

This Senate Resolution requests Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources to work with the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to create rules banning commercial octopus farming. The bill aims to prevent potential harm to coastal ecosystems, water quality, and local fisheries by stopping intensive land-based and open-ocean aquaculture operations. It also addresses concerns about animal welfare, noting that octopuses have complex needs that may not be met in confinement, and highlights the cultural importance of native octopus populations in Hawaiian traditions. The measure allows research and educational activities involving octopus to continue while prohibiting commercial aquaculture.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prohibits commercial octopus aquaculture to protect coastal ecosystems, water quality, and local fisheries, directly advancing environmental protection goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Water Quality

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HR 141: URGING THE UNITED STATES NAVY TO PROVIDE CONSISTENT, IN-PERSON PARTICIPATION AT COMMUNITY REPRESENTATION INITIATIVE MEETINGS RELATED TO RED HILL REMEDIATION EFFORTS.

This House Resolution urges the U.S. Navy to attend in-person community meetings regarding the cleanup of the Red Hill fuel storage facility on Oahu, where fuel leaks have contaminated local drinking water. The bill specifically addresses the removal of the Navy's obligation to attend Community Representation Initiative meetings under a 2026 engagement plan, requesting their consistent presence to maintain transparency with affected residents. It also asks the Navy to provide regular public updates on water quality testing, remediation timelines, and environmental safeguards to affected communities. The resolution is directed at the Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and focuses on restoring open dialogue between the Navy and local stakeholders impacted by the environmental contamination.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes transparency and community engagement regarding environmental remediation of contaminated drinking water from fuel leaks, supporting environmental protection efforts.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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