Bill Text: HI HB1439 | 2019 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Relating To Water Circulation.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 11-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-01-28 - Referred to WLH, FIN, referral sheet 6 [HB1439 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2019-HB1439-Introduced.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1439 |
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THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2019 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to water circulation.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Pokai Bay is one of the most visited ocean areas on Oahu's leeward coast because of its wide sandy beach and relatively calm waters. Because it is protected by offshore breakwater, Pokai Bay maintains calm conditions year-round, which makes it an ideal location for many ocean users including swimmers, canoe paddlers, surfers, snorkelers, boaters, divers, and stand-up paddlers.
The legislature further finds that despite Pokai Bay's pristine appearance of crystal blue waters and white sand, it is sadly the site of pollution from multiple sources including runoff from surrounding surfaces, illegal dumping, and user-induced contaminants. Over the last decade, beach users and local community members have reported the presence of health and environmental hazards at Pokai Bay. Water runoff containing industrial pollutants washed from local surface streets, parking lots, and sidewalks as well as petrochemical-based pollutants caused by vehicular use of an adjacent boat ramp are suspected sources of tar balls that have been found on the beach.
The legislature notes that wetland and estuary management projects across the world have employed various methods of artificial water circulation, including jet aeration and pumping systems, to increase oxygenation, improve water quality, and mitigate environmental damage caused by shoreline destruction and water contamination. Such methods can be employed in Pokai Bay to reduce pollution and restore its beauty.
The purpose of this Act is to require the department of land and natural resources to collaborate with various agencies to research and develop a mechanism for increased water circulation in Pokai Bay on Oahu's leeward coast to mitigate environmental and health risks caused by pollution and contaminants in the water.
SECTION 2. (a) The department of land and natural resources shall collaborate with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, department of health, the city and county of Honolulu, the University of Hawaii, and a representative to be selected from a list provided by native Hawaiian organizations to research and develop a plan for a mechanism to increase water circulation in Pokai Bay on Oahu's leeward coast to mitigate environmental and health risks caused by pollution and contaminants in the water.
(b) In conducting its research and planning for Pokai Bay, the department of land and natural resources and its collaborators shall conduct a study of Pokai Bay and the activities running to Pokai bay to investigate whether there are any land-based sources of marine contaminants or pollutants flowing from the land to ocean.
(c) The department of land and natural resources shall submit a report of its collaborative activities, including significant findings, cost estimates, and any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2020.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Pokai Bay; Water Circulation; Study
Description:
Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to collaborate with various agencies to research and develop a mechanism for increased water circulation in Pokai Bay.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
